Exmoor (Collins New Naturalist Library)

Exmoor New Naturalist by Flemming Ulf-Hansen is the latest addition to the New Naturalist series. This beautifully illustrated and detailed book explores the wildlife, landscapes, and history of Exmoor and demonstrates the astounding biodiversity found in the area.

Exmoor is one of only three large moorlands in southern England. Together with Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, they have long been an inspiration for field naturalists of all descriptions. It seems appropriate, therefore, that this volume should bring the inspiration and the particularities of place together and allow the landscape of Exmoor to shine.

Exmoor’s landscape shares many qualities with moorlands elsewhere and large parts may not be particularly distinctive. As much as two-fifths of Exmoor is moorland, deciduous woodland or unfarmable coastal slopes, but the majority is pastoral farmland. However, it is in the juxtaposition of these habitats, and the edge-zones and transitions, that there is both charm and scientific interest to be derived. Exmoor’s pattern and combination of vegetation types give it significance, with a disposition of low- and higher-altitude communities. And in hidden corners and combes off the main plateau, on the steepest slopes and on very wet ground, a diverse ancient landscape survives, and we find rich hedges providing some linear habitats. In addition are the stunning coastal woods. Its position as an upland massif on the western seaboard also gives it a distinctiveness.

As someone actively involved with the environment of the southwest, Flemming Ulf-Hansen now provides us with a scholarly yet accessible volume on this fabulous area.

Contents
Editors’ Preface vii
Author’s Foreword and Acknowledgements ix

1. The Essence of Exmoor 1
2. Landscape 17
3. The Influence of People 35
4. Rivers and Still Waters 51
5. Peatland, Bogs, Mires and Drainage 99
6. Heaths, Hog’s-back Hills and Commons 147
7. Woodland and Parkland 211
8. The Hidden Coast 293
9. Farming, Farmland and the Wider Countryside 361
10. Conservation: a Crucible of Change 427

Appendix: Designated Sites within Exmoor National Park 477
Endnotes 479
References 485
Species Index 506
General Index 515
Picture Credits 530