The River Book 101 Ways to Relax, Play, Watch Wildlife and Have Adventures by the River

About this book

The River Book is targeted at people who enjoy being outdoors and want to get the most out of their time spent by the water. It shows them all the things they can do to make the most of local rivers and streams and places where they can venture further afield for a fun, relaxing or exhilarating day out. It includes lots of information on great rivers to visit and suggestions for rivers that are especially good for carrying out the activities suggested in The River Book. It combines fascinating facts about rivers and the plants and animals that live nearby with activities for children and adults. There is also a journal element that focuses on special times or sightings at particular rivers. Targeted at the 30 million plus people who enjoy rivers annually, it can be enjoyed equally by armchair enthusiasts.

Contents

Introduction
Finding your River
Where to Start - Looking at Maps - The River - The Banks - Access

Play
Words and Games - Build Channels and Dams - Make Water Wheels - 'IT' and all its variations - Making Miniature Boats - Duck Races - Water Fights - Obstacle Courses and Races - Scavenger and Treasure Hunts - Pooh Sticks - Skip Stones ...- Other Games with Stones - Water Magic

Be Curious
Hunt for Minibeasts - Go on a Dragon Hunts - Catch Crayfish - Look at the Plants - Forage for Wild Foods Have a Look Under the Water - Go Fishing - Tickling for Trout - Go Bird Watching - Map a Bird Territory - Predict the Weather - Go on a Mammal Hunt - Pull Your Froude Indicator Out - Go Dowsing

Relax
Lie Back and Listen - Contemplate a Waterfall - Do Some Yoga - Make a Sculpture - Peer off a Bridge - Search for Sacred Springs - Soak your Feet - Have a Picnic

Be Adventurous
Go for a Swim - Go on Safari - Swim, Float, Boat - Climb a Tree - Jump In - Make a Rope Swing - Shoot Some Rapids - Camp Out

Fascinating Facts
How Clean is Your River? - How Fast is the Water in the River Moving? - How Much Water is there in the River? - How Powerful is that Waterfall Crashing on my Head? - Is Water Really Blue? - The World in a Grain of Sand - How Old is your River? - The River and Its Past

Practicalities
Safety - Leave Only Footprints - Legal Access

Customer Reviews

Biography

Educated in watery disciplines to masters level, Tessa Wardley is a member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and a former senior water ecologist at a leading environmental consultancy and policy advisor to the Environment Agency. These days she uses her 15 years experience of studying rivers to back up the fun and adventures she has in and around them, usually accompanied by her four children.