Book 9 toppled – a story of invasion, survival and our environment

Elegy for a River by Tom Moorhouse was sent to me as part of my monthly subscription of used books. One of the categories I have chosen to receive from is travel books and I think that the person who chose my selection must have thought that this book was about a journey. It is, actually, about nature conservation and ecology and is not a book that I would normally pick up, but I am glad that they sent it as it was an interesting and entertaining read.

The author starts by telling us about two pieces of research that he undertook, relating to animals which live in and around our rivers. The first was about water voles and the second about crayfish. The book describes the issue, the research and the conclusions whilst also describing the day to day life of the fieldwork researcher. The author has a charming and amusing style and is enthusiastic about what he does so I found myself invested in the survival of both these species, even though I couldn’t recognise them if I saw them – this book needs some illustrations.

What the research has shown, however, is that both native species are likely to be extinct soon in British rivers because of the introduction of competitors from other countries. The author explains how this happened, what effect it has had and what it will take to save our native habitat. Unfortunately, even though there are substantial environmental advantages to putting things right the money is not available. The river environment, as we know it, will soon be irreversibly changed.

This is a book written with real passion by someone who cares a lot and who knows exactly what he’s talking about (there are footnotes and many references). It’s written with real heart and it’s impossible not to be moved by the situation the author outlines. Even though things appear hopeless there are some practical suggestions about small, but important, things that each of us can do that will make a difference.

Nature and the environment are not subjects that I read a lot about and I am not particularly interested in learning more about animals but I did enjoy this book a lot because the author cares so much and communications their passion in an engaging and amusing way. I’m not going to keep the book and I hope that Oxfam will sell it on to someone who also engages with the book and its message.