A woman with her back to the camera reads a book facing a large river

20 Great River-Related Book Recommendations from The Rivers Trust Movement

We asked the brilliant teams that make up the Rivers Trust Movement for 20 river book recommendations and uncovered a thriving community of keen bookworms. We were inundated with suggestions; so much so, that we’ve put together another list of top picks of stories that transport us along waterways, teach us about our rivers, or inspire us to continue our fight for better rivers in the UK and Ireland.

The Rivers Trust

27/11/24

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We asked the brilliant teams that make up the Rivers Trust Movement for 20 river book recommendations and uncovered a thriving community of keen bookworms. We were inundated with suggestions; so much so, that we've put together another list of top picks of stories that transport us along waterways, teach us about our rivers, or inspire us to continue our fight for better rivers in the UK and Ireland.

1. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch – Vicky Eltringham, The Rivers Trust Fundraising Manager

I remember really enjoying Rivers of London (1st book in series). There are no picturesque, bucolic river scenes though – it's all about the urban. I was working near Covent Garden at the time and the descriptions of London are perfection. Though years ago, I still remember it teaching me about London's lesser-known rivers (Brent, Lea, Crane?) and the hidden or lost ones (Fleet, Tyburn, Effra). And given it's a supernatural thriller, it does literally bring the rivers to life.

2. Ireland's Rivers, by Mary Kelly Quinn and Julian Reynolds – Joanna Braniff, The Rivers Trust All-Ireland Advocacy & Communications Manager

Ireland's Rivers insightful exploration of Ireland’s freshwater ecosystems packed with well-researched detail and vital information. Highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of rivers, the book draws on expert insights to address threats like pollution and habitat loss. Packed with case studies and actionable solutions, it's essential reading for anyone passionate about preserving these vital lifelines.

3. Keeper of the Stream, by Frank Sawyer – Thomas Hartland Smith, Severn Rivers Trust Senior Catchment Restoration Officer

This is a classic angling book recommend to me when i joined SRT by a colleague. It focuses on the art of fishing for trout and grayling in the iconic English chalk streams. Sawyer shares insights on fly fishing techniques, the natural life of rivers, and his deep respect for aquatic ecosystems, blending practical advice with poetic observations. I found it a real page turner.

4. Black Butterflies, by Priscilla Morris – Rebecca Duncan, The Rivers Trust Media & Events Lead

In this moving account of the onset of the Bosnian War, Sarajevo’s Miljacka River becomes a key focal point. I often think about rivers as a symbol of unity, but in the context of extreme violence they can also come to represent division. It takes extraordinary resilience to overcome that and find hope in dark times.

5. Rivers: A Natural and Not-So Natural History, by Nigel Holmes & Paul Raven – Rachel Davies, The Rivers Trust IT Manager

It was a few years ago that I read this, but I found it interesting to find out about the history of our rivers and how they have been straightened.

6. Once Upon a River, by Diane Setterfield – Rachel Forsyth, Aire Rivers Trust Chief Executive

It's a great cosy evening read with mystery and folklore, all set along the river which links the communities and people. I think it's just a lovely book that has the river as a common theme running through it.

7. London's Lost Rivers, by Paul Talling – Alison Archer, Thames21 Head of Fundraising

London is a river city: it's here because of its rivers, and historian Tom Boltons writes about the history and significance of the rivers that we have culverted and undergrounded in London's Lost Rivers, Vols 1-3. it is a fascinating and vivid insight into London's history and its relationship to all that rivers bring - water, industry, and trade.

8. Thames: Sacred River, by Peter Ackroyd Hilary Phillips, River Thame Conservation Trust Senior Project Officer

This book follows the river from source to sea. Ackroyd's atmospheric prose delivers a comprehensive biography of the river, looking at its literary, artistic and religious roots as well as the fish, floods and tides that populate its length.

9. Fishing with Mr Crabtree in all Waters, by Hal Mount and John Mills Alex Adam, The Rivers Trust Deputy Director of Strategy and Stewardship

This is an absolute classic that’s really informative, and personally special because it was recommended to me by Arlin (founder of Westcountry Rivers Trust and The Rivers Trust).

10. The River that Flows Beside Me, by Charlotte Guillain – Jillian Johnston, Ballindery Rivers Trust Education and Outreach Officer

This is a beautiful concertina style fact book for children, which takes the reader on a journey from mountain source to the sea, exploring the changing landscapes along a river's path. It highlights the vital role waterways play in human and environmental survival, showcasing various ecosystems and wildlife that depend on the river. The book also delves into how humans interact with river landscapes, using them for survival and enjoyment. Beautiful illustrations bring to life the diverse river environments, from rocky peaks to magnificent waterfalls and floodplains. "The River That Flows Beside Me" is part of the Look Closer series, which aims to teach readers about the wonders of the natural world.

11. Run Softly Sweet Thames, by Robert Gibbings – Hilary Phillips, River Thame Conservation Trust Senior Project Officer

Run Softly Sweet Thames is beautifully illustrated with his own wood engravings. A charming, sometimes eccentric, description of the Thames from another age, written just before the second Word War, when in 1939 the author set out in a home-made flat bottomed boat (punt) to travel downstream from the Cotswolds' to London's docks.

12. Rivers, by Peter Goes – Sara Marshall, South East Rivers Trust Marketing & Fundraising Senior Officer

I discovered this book at our village’s new bookshop on Monday, and my 4-year-old daughter was immediately drawn to it—its large size and vibrant cover caught her eye. I was intrigued too, not just by the subject matter but also by the stunning artwork. We found a cosy armchair in a quiet corner of the shop and spent a delightful time together exploring the beautiful illustrations and learning about rivers around the world. The mix of fascinating facts and folklore captivated us both, making it a perfect read for parents and children alike.

13. How to Think Like a Fish, by Jeremy Wade – Thomas Hartland Smith, Severn Rivers Trust Senior Catchment Restoration Officer

This book takes you on his travels and adventures with fast-paced chapters that leave you with a smile on your face. Chat GPT says "He explores the psychology of fish, the art of patience, and the thrill of discovery. The book offers life lessons on persistence, curiosity, and understanding nature's interconnectedness through fishing," and I must agree!

14. Our Mutual Friend, by Charles Dickens – Alison Archer, Thames21 Head of Fundraising

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens is a novel set in London and so deeply embedded in life around and on the Thames that the river itself is in a way, the lead protagonist.

15. The Tidal Year, by Freya Bromley – Todd Strehlow, River Waveney Trust Chair

This has similar themes to Amy-Jayne Beer’s The Flow, but Freya is doing tidal pools and lagoons.

16. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens – Emma Brisdion, The Rivers Trust Marketing & Campaigns Lead

A beautiful piece of nature writing, wrapped up as a murder mystery novel? Yes, please. Set in the swamps of North Carolina, water and the life that blossoms from it wrap around the story. The depictions of species, scenery, and animal behaviour are so precise and evocative, that you can tell it’s been penned by a zoologist who is deeply besotted with nature.

17. Tyrannosaurus Drip, by Julia Donaldson Anon

If you’ve not had the pleasure of reading Tyrannosaurus Drip (by the author of The Gruffalo) to any children - it’s a must! Drip likes to shout things like “up with Rivers! up with water weeds!"

18. The Way To The Sea, The Forgotten Histories of the Thames Estuary Alison Archer, Thames21 Head of Fundraising

This is an exploration of the Thames from source to sea by Caroline Crampton, a journalist and writer whose origin story is deeply connected to the Thames as her parents emigrated to the UK by sailing up the Estuary.

19. My Name is River, by Emma Rea – Jillian Johnston, Ballindery Rivers Trust Education and Outreach Officer

This is a KS2/Middle-grade mystery novel. When Dylan's family farm in Wales is sold to a global corporation, he embarks on a daring journey to Brazil to save it. Along the way, he teams up with his uncertain friend Floyd and meets Lucia, a street-smart girl with a thesaurus vocabulary. Their adventure takes them deep into the Amazon Rainforest, where they uncover dark secrets about the corporation. As they navigate the treacherous jungle and Amazon River, they form an unbreakable bond and learn the true value of friendship and courage.

20. Tarka the Otter, by Henry Williamson – Geoff Roberts, Aire Rivers Trust Trustee

I remember reading Tarka the Otter when I was 10 or 11, back in the last century. My next read was another of Henry Williamson's books, Salar the Salmon. Between them, and in retrospect, they made a huge impression on the importance of looking after our wild places and wildlife.


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