The Rother Valley
The Rother Valley

Author: John Boardman

Publisher: Windgather Press

Published: 2024-12-31

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 1914427289

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The valley of the western Rother lies within the South Downs National Park but has a special character based on its Cretaceous geology of sandstones and clays. These give rise to soils that are ideal for agriculture but are extremely erodible. Over the centuries the area has been exploited by humans and partially cleared of forest. In this book, the archaeological history of the Rother Valley is summarized, with particular emphasis on the evidence for Mesolithic, Bronze Age and Roman occupation. Analysis of sediments in ponds adds to the evidence for changes that have happened over the last few hundred years. A notable feature of the cultural landscape is the network of sunken lanes. The Rother Valley contains unique chalk-aquifer fed streams with rare and protected species, such as sea trout and otter. Heathland, floodplain, wet meadows and woodlands are interspersed with agriculture, linked together by hedgerows and ditches. The health of the river is threatened by polluting inputs from farming and sewage. Past weather and hydrological records show the potential impact of climate change on the functioning of the river. The impact of recent changes on water availability for irrigation and human consumption are explored in relation to ecosystem requirements. Soil erosion is a significant problem, with the resulting high river sediment concentrations requiring expensive cleaning for the water to be fit for human consumption and the runoff often causes flooding of roads and properties. Mitigation measures aim to reduce the loss of soil on fields and interrupt connectivity between fields and the river system. We identify sediment sources contributing eroded soil to the river, the function of field-edge sediment traps, in-stream weirs and major reservoirs on sediment storage and connectivity. Finally, the book considers the future of the unique landscape that is the Rother Valley, including plans for restoration of the flood plain. Contributors include planners, researchers and managers of the large estates that are an integral part of the Rother landscape.

Slow Devon and Exmoor
Slow Devon and Exmoor

Author: Hilary Bradt

Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Published: 2010-05-11

Total Pages: 310

ISBN-13: 1841623229

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One of three launch titles in the new Slow series of regional UK guides from two of the UK's most distinctive travel publishers: Bradt and Alastair Sawday. Travel slowly and sustainably with Hilary Bradt, founder of Bradt guides and a resident of Devon, as she takes you on a personal 'slow' tour of Devon and Exmoor. Connect with the people, places, environment and heritage of this spectacular part of the country and discover for yourself the unsung delights, well known sights, wildlife, coast and countryside - not to mention the foibles of the locals - in this truly unique guide. Topping it off is an enticing selection of accommodation from the inimitable collection of Alastair Sawday.

Me, My Bike and a Street Dog Called Lucy
Me, My Bike and a Street Dog Called Lucy

Author: Ishbel Holmes

Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 1784776076

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This new title from Bradt tells the inspiring and emotional story of Ishbel Holmes, also known as 'World Bike Girl', a Scottish-Iranian woman who became a champion racing cyclist in spite of having been abandoned by her family, and who set off on the adventure of a lifetime despite her lack of experience, money or equipment. Ishbel Holmes was determined to cycle the world but her journey took a completely unexpected turn when, despite her initial instincts not to, she rescued a street dog in Turkey. Ishbel was lost and alone when she started on her epic trip, but in Lucy found a companionship never previously known. Between the two there formed a deep bond and their relationship was followed and supported by thousands of readers online, before becoming a media sensation overnight when Ishbel put out a plea for help to transport Lucy to an animal shelter three hundred miles away. This heart-rending tale is about more than just the relationship between a woman and her dog. It is a testimony to the human spirit, overcoming present-day challenges and churning up long-buried and painful memories from Ishbel's earlier life. It is also a tale of adventure, one person's determination to cross an unfamiliar country by bike and the unforgettable scenes that greet her on the Turkey-Syria border and into Syria itself. And it is a loving portrait of Lucy, the street dog that was determined not to let Ishbel go and whose dogged persistence helped to break down the barriers around her heart and in so doing change her life in ways she had never imagined. Ultimately, this is a tale of love and healing, a modern fable that touches the soul and reminds us all of the need to belong.

Exploring Green Lanes in the South Hams
Exploring Green Lanes in the South Hams

Author: Valerie R. Belsey

Publisher:

Published: 2003-05-01

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 9781903998243

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The South Hams in south Devon is an area of outstanding beauty, with a wealth of ancient green lanes. These tracks—some of which were ancient packhorse ways, drover’s or smugglers’ routes— are a hidden network of byways and a living link with past centuries. This new book contains twenty-four circular routes which are suitable for walkers, horse-riders and/or mountain bikers, and which incorporate green lanes in the South Hams. Each chapter includes a map showing the walk, together with the history of the lane and the local area, wildlife, etc.

The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay
The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay

Author: Julie Brooks

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2021-09-16

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1472279158

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Two women set sail for Australia, bound by a terrible truth. But only one will make it off the ship. 'The writing is polished and evocative, the twists and turns are surprising, and the characters' stories emotionally compelling' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review 'Stunning . . . Julie Brooks has written an impeccably researched novel with a wonderful sense of history and character . . . I thoroughly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review 'An incredibly moving story of two women . . . Beautifully written the books draws you in from the start. It's very emotional as the story moves from the different timelines' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ reader review The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay is a darkly gripping dual-time novel, with a wealth of twists, turns and secrets, and an absolute book club treat, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Rachel Rhys and Hannah Richell. 'A sweeping tale of family secrets, betrayal, jealousy, ambition and forbidden romance . . . Fans of The Thorn Birds and Downton Abbey will love the epic scope of this novel' ALI MERCER 'I thoroughly enjoyed this immersive story which spans both generations and continents. The evocative details and impeccable research make for a delightful reading experience and I can pay it no greater compliment other than to say, I wish I'd written it' KATHRYN HUGHES 'This is an epic dual-time novel which draws the reader in right from the start and keeps you in thrall until the very last page. The writing is superb, the descriptions detailed, lush and evocative' CHRISTINA COURTENAY 'A gripping story full of family secrets: the price of love and loss within two generations . . . convincing and poignant' LEAH FLEMING 'Rich in evocative detail - the complex mystery kept me guessing right up to the last page' MUNA SHEHADI ........................................... England, 1919: Rose and Ivy board a ship bound for Australia. One is travelling there to marry a man she has never met. One is destined never to arrive. Australia, 2016: Amongst her late-grandmother's possessions, Molly uncovers a photograph of two girls dressed in First World War nurses' uniforms, labelled 'Rose and Ivy 1917', and a letter from her grandmother, asking her to find out what happened to her own mother, Rose, who disappeared in the 1960s. Compelled to carry out her grandmother's last wish, Molly embarks on a journey to England to unravel the mystery of the two girls whose photograph promised they'd be 'together forever' . . . ........................................... Readers LOVE The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay: 'This story was gripping and a joy to read' 'A touching and beautifully written story of friendship' 'I was totally gripped from the start, it was well written with good characters and I loved the dual timeline aspect. There was so much going on in this story and I just couldn't put it down' 'An emotional book . . . well written and interesting. I could imagine this book being discussed in book club' A book a treasures. A wealth of secrets. Look for Julie's next compelling novel, The Keepsake.