Summary
For a relatively ephemeral feature of the landscape of those English uplands made of porous chalk and limestone, the artificial watering sites for livestock known as dew ponds have been the subject of a great deal of legend, misinformation, experimentation, and scientific research. This generated much published material from the late 1700 onwards, the key elements of which are highlighted in this book. These ponds are of uncertain age, but historical records going back several centuries confi…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781398124615 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1398124613 |
| Author: | David Rivière |
| Publisher: | Amberley Publishing |
| Imprint: | Amberley Publishing |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Number of Pages: | 96 |
| Release Date: | 15 October 2025 |
| Weight: | 308g |
| Dimensions: | 165mm x 234mm |
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Critics Review
‘The book contains fantastic historical photos and references, challenging widely-held beliefs on dew ponds’ place in history, how they were constructed and how these water bodies got their name.’ * Sussex Wildlife Trust Magazine, April 2026 *
‘David’s recently published book ‘Dew Ponds’ builds on his survey work for the SDNPA between 2016 and 2021 and contains a wealth of information about these heritage features.’ * The Downsman, Spring 2026 *
‘This is a slim volume, but, although brief, the author writes engagingly about the form, history, construction and use of these features, and of their conservation and reconstruction today. The volume concludes with a review of some present initiatives in renewing dewponds and how they can support biodiversity.’ * Chartered Institute for Archaeologists *
David Rivière
David Rivière is a geography graduate with a deep interest in the landscapes and cultural history of the South Downs. Following retirement in 2014 from a life in finance, he worked as a volunteer researcher for the South Downs National Park Authority surveying historic dew-pond sites for existence and condition, inputting to dew-pond restoration activity for environmental benefit.
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