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The River and Waterway Environment for Small Boat Users The book has been written by Dr Tim Stott, himself a Kayak Coach Level 3 and Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography and Outdoor Education at Liverpool John Moores University. The book aims to meet the need for a wider understanding of the river environment among canoeists, and in particular BCU coaches. The project was undertaken with the view that an understanding of river environment by recreational users is an essential starting point from which we can learn sustainable ways in which we should be using it. Spilt into two parts, Part 1 is intended to be an introduction for those with little or no prior knowledge and develops ideas up to and including Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum. Part 2 is intended for those who wish to find out more about the introductory themes covered in Part 1 and explores some other aspects of rivers at a more advanced level. Recent and current research on aspects of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, wildlife, conservation and river management is collated in a user friendly way. Part 2 will be of interest to aspirant or even experienced coaches who wish to improve their environmental knowledge and awareness. David Gent, BCU Chairman, in his foreword to the guide says: growing numbers of initiatives throughout this decade, at local, national and international scale, which have been aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring that people live to work harmoniously with it has prompted the BCU into supporting this publication". He continues: "I firmly believe that the deeper knowledge and understanding that this book will help to foster among river and waterway users will help achieve this aim". The level for knowledge about environmental issues is measured through the Coaching Service Star Awards system, but with the campaign for increased access the need for such knowledge is ten fold. In the October '00 and February'01 issues of Canoe Focus, you may have read articles on the principles of sustainable development and 'Taking Care of your River', and this book provides a pathway (that won't erode) to meet those principles. If you have an interest in what's in the water you
paddle on, the amazing history of the development of watercourses
in the United Kingdom, of how and why rivers flow, and how we
can manage this resource that we need for drinking, industry,
supporting habitats and as a recreational resource then this book
is for you!. Cost £15 for SCA., BCU, WCA or CANI members quoting their membership number, or £21.95 otherwise including P&P. Order from Darren Male, BCU Environmental Officer, 6 Brick Kiln Lane, Hurley, Nr Atherstone, N Warwickshire. Make cheques payable to "British Canoe Union" Order Form Name……………………………………………………………………………
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