In its 7th report of session 2006-07 (HC 345-I, ISBN 9780215521330) on British Waterways (BW), the Committee pressed for adequate funding of the waterways network and expressed concern at the poor relations that existed at the time between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and BW. This further report was prompted by BW's decision in February 2008 to withdraw from the partnership to restore the Cotswold Canals in order to fund urgent repairs to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The report focuses on BW's regeneration and restoration work, but also looks at how Defra and BW are working together and the Committee is encouraged by an improvement in the relationship and communication between the two bodies. Restoration of canals produces little if any direct benefit to BW and BW has often carried all the financial risk in such projects. Canal restoration schemes can be of great value to the areas where the canals are restored, producing knock-on benefits such as more jobs and visitor income. The BW Board is charged primarily with maintaining the existing waterways network and cannot be expected to take on substantial risk from restoration projects, especially in present economic conditions. If the public sector wishes to obtain external benefits from canal restoration schemes, the bodies responsible for obtaining those benefits should bear the risk. Defra, with British Waterways and other interested bodies, should develop a mechanism to score and prioritise public investment in canal restoration according to the external benefits that would be created, and should agree how the financial risks of such projects should be borne.

This book offers a comprehensive review of the current environmental conditions and chemical changes in Polish surface waters. Poland is situated in an area that was covered by glaciations in the distant past. The subsequent periods of glacial advance and retreat produced a continuous rejuvenation of the landscape, and the discharge of surplus water from this area was constantly transformed by morphological, climatic and hydrological changes. Written by expert contributors, the book’s respective chapters address the impact of current climatic conditions on the functioning of surface water reservoirs in Poland, while also exploring the country’s hydrographic and hydrological network and the trophic state of its rivers and lakes, their eutrophication and threats. Particular attention is paid to sources of pollution, above all, the chemical pollution of water and sediments. Together with the companion book Polish River Basins and Lakes – Part II: Biological Status and Water Management, it provides students, environmental chemists, biologists, geologists, hydrologists and surface waters managers with authoritative information on Poland’s current environmental status.

Winner of the Thomas Cook Guide Book Award, this book is one of the leading descriptive guides to the astonishingly varied network of rivers and canals that penetrate almost every region of France. It is full of fascinating information on the historical sites, chateaux and scenic attractions of the many villages and towns that await discovery.

Lakes define not only Canada's landscape but the national imagination. Blending writing on nature, travel, and science, award-winning journalist Allan Casey systematically explores how the country's history and culture originates at the lakeshore. Lakeland describes a series of interconnected journeys by the author, punctuated by the seasons and the personalities he meets along the way including aboriginal fishery managers, fruit growers, boat captains, cottagers, and scientists. Together they form an evocative portrait of these beloved bodies of water and what they mean, from sapphire tarns above the Rocky Mountain tree line to the ponds of western Newfoundland.

This compilation of data on 100 lakes in Alberta (outside the mountain areas) covers physical characteristics, water quality, wildlife, recreational opportunities and access for each lake, and includes maps, photographs, diagrams and statistical tables.

The Rough Guide to the Lake District is the ultimate travel companion for discovering England's most celebrated scenic area, from the literary sites of Grasmere to cruising on Lake Windermere and all the alpine landscapes and picturesque villages in between. Foodies are directed to the regions best restaurants and most authentic old inns and pubs whilst walkers can enjoy all the walks included in the BBC's popular 'Wainright Walks' series with Julia Bradbury. Whether you're looking for a walker's hostel or boutique hotel, caf�, gastro-pub, farmhouse B&B or country-house hotel, this guide has the lowdown on all the best deals. The Rough Guide to the Lake District is loaded with practical information from family ticket prices and opening times to advice on travelling around the region relying on the clearest maps of any guide. Explore all corners of the Lake District with authoritative background on everything from the history of rock-climbing to the impact of the Renee Zellweger's Beatrix Potter movie. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to the Lake District.