chapter 1 Introduction -- chapter 2 Wetlands matter -- chapter 3 How wetlands work -- chapter 4 In wetland wilds -- chapter 5 The animals -- chapter 6 The waters of the wetlands -- chapter 7 Chemical types and vegetation types -- chapter 8 The power to purify -- Principles and definitions -- chapter 9 Phragmites: a study in plant behaviour and human use -- chapter 10 The silent battle?eld: vegetation changes -- chapter 11 Threats and losses, past and present -- chapter 12 Conservation.