This book is not a ‘how to fish’ book. It is a story about a chalk stream river by a professional riverkeeper who has spent 30 years maintaining the self-sustaining wild brown trout beat of the Upper River Itchen at Martyr Worthy in Hampshire. From the last ice age to the present day an informative picture is painted of the river’s heritage, development, management, land use practices, man’s influence upon the river, what a chalk stream is and how it works. Highlights include:

§	Experiences as a professional riverkeeper
§	Fly-fishing, fishermen and related anecdotes
§	The flora and fauna of the river
§	Wild brown trout fishing and management
§	Aspects of history, philosophy & science

Based on his deep love for the River Itchen, and his riverkeeping experiences, Ron describes the diverse flora and fauna, the people he has met, the work involved at home and abroad, fishery management problems, suggested philosophies and his hopes and fears ~ all told in an entertaining, anecdotal, philosophical and humorous way.

General readers, naturalists, anglers and budding riverkeepers will all find much of interest. Through his work, and this account, Ron hopes that he may have made a contribution to the ongoing evolution and care of the river and its wild brown trout residents for years to come.

Enjoy Ron Holloway’s fascinating and humorous insight into his life as a professional riverkeeper for 30 years on the River Itchen at Martyr Worthy in Hampshire.