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.