Environment expert's book launch

One of the country's leading environmental experts will unveil his latest book later this month at a public event at Sedum House in Doncaster.

The Lost Fens – England’s Greatest Ecological Disasterpublished by The History Press, looks at the unique history of the once-great fenlands of eastern England, from Yorkshire to East Anglia. The book warns of the disastrous changes to England and Yorkshire's ecosystems.

Ian Rotherham is professor of environmental geography and reader in tourism and environmental change in Sheffield Hallam University’s department of architecture. He is also a regular columnist and contributor to the Sheffield Star and Yorkshire Post, and has a monthly phone-in with BBC Radio Sheffield.

His latest book explores how changes to England’s fenlands have adversely affected the region from Yorkshire to East Anglia, leading to loss of biodiversity and increased flood risk.

Ian said: "In terms of flood risk, we have to start by examining the history of areas that are susceptible to flooding – and look at their past. It turns out that most of these lands are the fenlands drained in the 1700s and 1800s. Today we have built houses on many of these low-lying areas and the rest is intensive agriculture.

"History tells a story of a dramatic transformation of these landscapes, with maybe 2,000 square miles of fen in Yorkshire and 3-4,000 square miles in East Anglia reduced down to a few hectares today. It is a remarkable loss and yet few people are aware that these wetlands ever existed.

"In the future we need to work with nature and not against it, and learn how to accommodate people, nature and water. The scale of this historic loss tells us of the scale of the future challenge."

The launch event is being held with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at Potteric Carr - one of Yorkshire’s biggest wetland nature reserves. It takes place at Sedum House in Doncaster on Sunday 28 April, from 1pm to 2pm.

Booking for the event is essential. Tickets are £3.75 each and include refreshments and parking. Call 01302 570077 to book a place.

For press information contact: Joe Field on 0114 225 2074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk