The Great British River

Name: The Great British River
Price: 42.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781399413985

A guide to our waterways and river wildlife

Jack Perks

$42.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Bloomsbury Wildlife
04 August 2026

Limnology (freshwater); Physical geography & topography; Conservation of wildlife & habitats; Freshwater life

From sparkling springs and babbling brooks to urban canals and muddy estuaries, discover the fascinating journey of our rivers and the wildlife that calls them home.

Our rivers are home to some of Britain's most iconic species, including brown trout, mayfly, kingfisher and otter, and for centuries they have provided us with a place to explore and relax. Not only do they provide a habitat for wildlife, they're also a crucial resource for drinking water, farming and transportation. However, a combination of relentless pollution, failing water management and climate change have had a devastating effect. There are currently no rivers in the UK with a ‘good’ ecological status, threatening the species that depend on them to survive.

In The Great British River, freshwater specialist Jack Perks explores the fundamentals of our rivers: the habitats they supply, how they transform on the journey from source to estuary, and why certain species are suited to them. Discover ways to enjoy your local waterways and wildlife, as well as what can be done to help protect them.

Beautifully illustrated with colour photography of some of our most vital rivers and the species that live in and around them, this accessible book is a celebration of the British river, and a call to action to conserve this precious habitat.

By: Jack Perks
Imprint: Bloomsbury Wildlife
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 189mm,
ISBN: 9781399413985
ISBN 10: 1399413988
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 04 August 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction The Source Upper Reaches Middle Reaches Lower Reaches The Estuary Chalk Streams Canals Urban Rivers Scottish Spate Rivers Ponds River Pubs River Names Glossary Organisations Acknowledgements Photo Credits Index

Jack Perks is a wildlife photographer, TV presenter, writer and a leading expert on British fish. Jack has worked as a cameraman on various wildlife programmes, including Springwatch, Countryfile and The One Show. As well as writing articles for leading nature magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Countrylife, he is the author of several books including Field Guide to British Fish. Jack is also a vice president of WildFish Conservation.