ONE of the UK’s foremost wildlife photographers will be coming to a launch event for his new book in Chepstow.

David Bailey is publishing a striking collection of images in his first book, Wildlife Wanderer, and will be at Chepstow’s Drill Hall on April 27 in collaboration with Chepstow Books.

Tireless in his search for species and their habitats, David Bailey is also full of concern and care for those animals he photographs, earning their trust and the right to document their comings and goings.

With a soft spot for squirrels, hares and owls, kingfishers, foxes and deer, his camera has captured many of the wildlife wonders of Wales and England.

In this book alone he features more than 50 different species, including otters and beavers, dolphins and dragonflies, hedgehogs and herons, puffins and seals.

Though he likes to let his pictures do the talking David Bailey also has the odd word of advice for would-be wildlife photographers, some pointers for less experienced naturalists and plenty of personal anecdotes; just to remind us that he really has walked on the wild side.

In the foreword to the book Dr Rhys Jones says that “the life of the wildlife cameraman is anything but glamorous. I’ve spent many a day sat with Dave at remote locations, knowing what it is to be both frozen in winter and eaten alive by mosquitoes in the summer. A wildlife cameraman needs skills, saint-like patience and luck.”

Speaking on his life as a wildlife cameraman, Mr Bailey said: “I do witness some odd sights while quietly sitting in the hide. I’ve even frightened the life out of some innocent people stood near my well camouflaged hide, as I pop my head out of an opening to say hello.

“Working in the most beautiful locations, dealing with many wildlife projects and trusts, seeing wildlife which so many people will never set eyes on and meeting those with a love of animals, means that there is no such thing as a normal day. I often think I’m the luckiest person on the planet, and this book is my chance to share that luck with you.”

David Bailey is respected for his enthusiasm and expertise in the field – he has been cameraman and consultant on BBC shows.

Wildlife Wanderer is now available from all good bookshops and online retailers or directly from the publishers Gomer Press on gomer.co.uk.

It will be launched at the Drill Hall in Chepstow on April 27 at 7pm. Tickets cost £2 for the event are available from Chepstow Books & Gifts on chepstowbooks.co.uk or by calling 01291 625011.