His first full collection, Hare, contains a striking collection of poems about wildlife and reflects Hugh’s keen interest in environmental matters. However, the collection is also notable for a strong emotional pulse, featuring hard-hitting poems about human passion.

At the launch on 29 April, Hugh will read his work, which is published by Cinammon Press, and talk about his inspirations and research process, as well as answering questions from the audience. The free event takes places from 5pm in the Cloisters Chamber and is free to members of the public as well as staff and students at the University.

The poems in Hare are drawn from Hugh's career as an award winning poet, including the prestigious Eric Gregory Award (1992), several prizes in BBC Wildlife Poet of the Year Award; Hawthornden Fellowship (1999), Leighton Studio Residency, Banff Centre, Canada (2002) and 2009 Arts Council Award.

Widely published in journals and author of several critical works, Hugh was most recently co-editor of Earthographies: Ecocriticism and Culture (New Formations, 2008).

In a review of Hugh's work, the leading poet Vicki Feaver said: “What I admire about Hugh Dunkerley’s poetry is the spareness and clarity of his language: his ability to tackle the extremities of experience – death, sex, loss, the ruthlessness of nature – with a vision which is unsentimental and yet profoundly moving.”

Hugh's chapbook, Walking to the Fire Tower (Redbeck Press), came out in 1997, and Fast (Pighog Press) was published in 2007. He also writes articles on contemporary poetry as well as reviewing for various magazines.

As well as the launch event in Chichester, he will be performing poems from Hare at Brighton Fringe Festival on 22 May in a special matinee performance at 3pm. This event takes place in the Iambic Arts Theatre, 38, Gardner Street, Brighton (£6, £5 concessions). RSVP H.Dunkerley@chi.ac.uk