An innovative downloadable graphic comic based in the Stroud district has been released with the aim of inspiring a new generation of environmental managers.

The Sound of a River was written by Stroud District Council officer Chris Uttley and illustrated by local artist Joe Magee.

The book tells the story of Monica, a girl who sets out to find out why her house has flooded. She travels back in time to learn that historical changes made to the river have not only resulted in the loss of wildlife and plants, but also increased the likelihood of flooding.

The title is based on the idea that a healthy river generates a variety of sounds, therefore the healthier and more natural the river, the more sounds it creates. Historical land drainage and river engineering have simplified and deepened channels, causing the river to fall silent.

Each page of the book is accompanied by illustrations from the Stroud district and some pages have explanatory notes.

Read more and download the free book here.