A NATURE enthusiast from Winchester has spent 11 years developing a one-of-a-kind book on the River Itchen.
George Mann, from Easton, observed wildlife of the River Itchen between Martyr Worthy and Easton every day of 2008.
George, 77, has since produced two books, the latest volume being an in-depth observational record of what he saw during his time along the river.
A Year on the River Itchen at Martyr Worthy provides a unique day by day account in words and pictures of the wildlife on a small stretch of the river, upstream of Easton Bridge.
Two-hundred limited edition copies have been published, including 450 photos of wildlife such as otters, shrews, butterflies, pike, herons and fungi and line drawings by artist Marilyn Becheley.
Mr Mann said: “No other detailed study of the River Itchen that exists in the form that I’ve developed it over these two volumes.
“It’s easy to take a single glimpse at the river and maybe see one particular event but to really understand what goes on in any aspect of nature you really need to be there every day and under any conditions- whether it’s pouring with rain or whether it’s cold or hot to really see how the wildlife copes in those situations.”
Publisher George hopes readers will gain a sense of what it takes to observe nature.
The 364-page hardback book contains observations from everyday of 2008 as well as 450 photographs and monthly summaries of the species George observed.
Studying the river has developed from a hobby into a form of career for the 77-year-old. Although George refrains from being overly scientific in his findings to appeal to a more general audience.
Reflecting on his favourite memories, George said: “One Sunday morning in August, it was tipping down with rain and I looked outside, and thought do I go out or not. The wildlife has to continue operating so I went out and walked down the river and that was the first time I saw the otter and filmed it in the rain.
“I’d watch swallows and house martins flying in the rain, catching flies over the river and wonder how they did so in the conditions. They surprise you and make you stand back and think about how these things work in nature.
“After a while, I could say there was going to be a particular bird kestrel who would be on a particular branch at 7.45 in the morning and sure enough it would have its routine, it would sit on a perch, have its prey and then move on. There is a rhythm to nature
“Other real insights were using the underwater cameras, filming a pike underwater and entering as different world and seeing how the fish live.”
Mr Mann has been compared to Gilbert White for his devotion to the River Itchen.
He hopes his work will encourage people to observe not just look and help children enjoy and learn from nature.
Copies of A Year on the River Itchen at Martyr Worthy are available direct from George Mann (georgemann@gmp.co.uk Tel: 01962 779944), Laurence Oxley Bookshop, Long Barn and P&G Wells.
(ISBN: 9781907640247, £30).
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