Looking for a good book? The wild world of Britain’s rivers has inspired some truly wonderful nature writing. Here are four terrific tomes for your reading list!
Our first book is ‘The Flow’ by Amy-Jane Beer. It won the 2023 Wainwright Prize for nature writing, and details Beer’s exploration of British rivers after losing a close friend. As a biologist turned naturalist, Beer combines ecological knowledge with a heartfelt desire to connect with wild places. As she rediscovers her love for our waterways and their wildlife, which are rendered in vibrant detail, she considers how caring for rivers helps us to find ‘the flow’ in our own lives.
Next, we have ‘Elegy for a River’ by author and ecologist Tom Moorhouse. This funny and thought-provoking book documents 11 years of fieldwork, most of which focused on Britain’s endangered water voles. It offers fascinating insights into the complexities of ecological research, and the eccentricities of water vole society are explained with heartwarming fondness. Throughout, Moorhouse ponders the future of our wildlife, and how that future will be shaped by human actions.
Turning to the fantastical, we have ‘River Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland’ by Lisa Schneidau. An ecologist turned storyteller, Schneidau deftly weaves tales of ghosts, gods, and monsters into a mesmerising tapestry. The result is an intriguing dive into how humans have interpreted their relationship with rivers, and a testament to the enduring power of mythology. Expect awe about the wonders of nature, respect for its dangers, and wildlife species in starring roles.
Lastly, we have ‘The Pull of the River’ by Matt Gaw. This book documents a year of adventures along Britain’s rivers, most of which took place in a homemade canoe. Brimming with enthusiasm for the natural world, Gaw describes his many wildlife encounters with earnest humour and vibrant imagery. As he paddles, swims, and dives his way across the country, the book becomes an absorbing exploration of what it means to look for (and perhaps find) the wild.
All of these books can be borrowed through your local Hampshire library, and some are available as e-books too. So if you don’t already have one, consider grabbing a library card to enjoy spellbinding stories like these – membership is free! To learn more, visit hants.gov.uk/library.
You can also hear from these amazing authors in person, by attending our literature festival this June. We’re hosting free talks, walks, and writing workshops in Andover, Whitchurch, Overton, and Alresford. Find out more at hiwwt.org.uk/tales. The Watercress and Winterbournes scheme is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Author Talk – Lisa Schneidau – Andover, Wednesday 19th June, 7-9pm
Children’s Poetry Workshops – A guided walk along your local chalk stream, followed by a workshop on turning what we’ve learned into an awesome nature poem. Ages 7-11. Andover – Saturday 22nd June, 1-4pm
Nature Writing Workshops – A guided folk tale walk along your local chalk stream, followed by a workshop on turning your inspiration into amazing nature writing. Ages 12+. Andover – Saturday 8th June, 1-4pm.
Book at hiwwt.org.uk/tales/festival
