All rivers used to be free of human-made impediments, of course, but few are now, especially in Europe. Except, one. Albania’s Vjosa river is a sight to behold, its upper reaches tumble through stunning gorges and canyons and under ancient stone bridges nestled between snow-capped peaks. Lower down, it barrels across a huge gravel riverbed up to 2 kilometres wide. The channel continually splits and rejoins to create ribbons of blue-green water, oxbow lakes and temporary islands on which rare birds nest. Join New Scientist’s reporter, Graham Lawton as he explains why a free-flowing river is so important.
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