Wye Valley

A definitive natural history of the Wye Valley covering the geology, geomorphology, conservation and ecological history of this diverse area of outstanding natural beauty.

The spectacular landscape of the Wye Valley region has attracted visitors for over 250 years. Designated one of the few lowland Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1971, it is dominated by the river Wye, which has done much to form this varied ecological landscape.

George Peterken (who has lived in the region for many years and helped to draft the AONB's Nature Conservation Strategy in 1999), skillfully examines the diverse ecology, natural history, landscape and history of this district defined mainly by the extraordinary evolution of the river Wye into a meandering mature river.

With little previously published on the area, Peterken also explores the results of recent conservation efforts in the region, recognising that despite the protection afforded to the ‘outstanding natural beauty’ of natural habitats and wild species, these regions have continued to suffer substantial losses. Peterken goes on to chart the many initiatives that continue to promote effective conservation within the AONB and surrounding areas.

Perfect for the enthusiastic naturalist, New Naturalist Wye Valley unlocks the secrets of this beautiful natural area.

Reviews

‘This is a beautiful book, written with love and enthusiasm and clarity, and produced to the New Naturalist’s highest standards, with an evocative jacket design by Robert Gillmor.’
Oliver Rackham, British Wildlife

‘More like a work of scholarship than a conventional guidebook, this is an impressive and hugely detailed examination of the ecology, natural history and landscape of this spectacular region.’
Sunday Telegraph

‘The definitive guide to one of Britain's most unspoilt rivers … the introduction is impressive and lyrical, the descriptions of the river and its valley beautiful.’
BBC Wildlife

‘Wye Valley embodies everything that is good about the New Naturalist series … an outstanding volume in an illustrious series. It is written with clarity and verve, which makes it a pleasure to read.’
Natur Cymru

About the author

George Peterken has worked independently for the Forestry Commission since 1992 while living in the Lower Wye Valley, where, with his neighbours, he has developed local community grassland conservation projects. He has specialised in woodland ecology and conservation for the Nature Conservancy, amongst others. He is currently president of the Gwent Wildlife Trust and an associate professor of Nottingham University. In 1994, George was awarded an OBE for services to forestry.