ECOLOGIST Flemming Ulf-Hansen is visiting Dulverton on Tuesday, January 27, for a talk as the Exmoor Society celebrates the launch of his new book ‘Exmoor.

It is the 150th volume in the celebrated New Naturalist series, which began in 1945.

Flemming is considered to know more than anybody about the nature of Exmoor, having moved to the area in 1991 as Natural England’s assistant regional officer.

For nearly 30 years, he worked with farmers, foresters, archaeologists, and Exmoor National Park Authority to build the protections which maintain Exmoor’s landscape.

During his career, Flemming noticed Exmoor’s wildlife had been neglected in published work for many decades, with perhaps the exception of the battles over heathland ploughing.

He decided to remedy this, and his experience has helped him marshal what is known about Exmoor’s special habitats and species in the new book, published by HarperCollins.

Flemming will discuss how Exmoor’s position as one of the three moorlands in southern England, along with its peatlands and other special habitats, makes it one of the most precious landscapes in the country.

In particular, Flemming, who now lives in Langport, will champion the relatively unappreciated colossus of the coastal woods, rare and mysterious temperate rain forest.

Also special are some of the largest ancient oakwoods in southern Britain, and Flemming will also talk about the conservation of national and European designated wildlife sites and bring out some interesting case studies from his long experience.

The talk will be held in Dulverton Town Hall with doors open at 6 pm, ready for a 6.30 pm start.

A society spokesperson said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to learn more about Exmoor’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.

“Signed copies of Flemming’s new book will be available to buy at the end of his talk.”

Tickets can be booked via the society’s website.