William Bunting, the compiler and donor of this collection, was living in Thorne near the Level of Hatfield Chase, Yorkshire in 1969. He was active in the campaign to prevent the Central Electricity Generating Board from using the area for the disposal of fuel ash from Drax power station. His work included a literature survey about the area as well as natural history studies.
From the guide to the Papers concerning the environmental protection of Thorne Moor, Hatfield Chase, Yorkshire, assembled by William Bunting, 1969-1970, 1969-1970, (The University of Nottingham)