Leading environmental organisations are calling for the natural world to be pushed to the top of the political agenda. 

The RSPB, National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust are pleading to election candidates to give wildlife a safer future by putting it at the head of their campaign. 

In an open letter, the organisations are asking candidates to tell voters how much nature means to them, and to outline their commitments to protecting wildlife in the South West.

The letter asks four open questions to anyone standing for election in June: 

• What will you do to ensure our wildlife is protected and restored after Brexit?

• What will you do to ensure that wildlife thrives in our seas once more?

• What will you do to ensure we have new farming policies that support nature’s recovery?

• What will you do to make sure we move to a low carbon economy?

The four charities are asking candidates to outline their ambitions for the environment and say what they will do to help nature if they are elected. 

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust said; “The South West’s fantastic coast and countryside underpins our tourism economy and brings millions of people to the region each year. 

“As we leave the EU, we need to restore and enhance our natural environment in a way that’s great for wildlife, great for people and great for the economy.” 

Simon Cripps, Chief Executive, Dorset Wildlife Trust said; “In the south our natural environment is so important to our health, wellbeing, enjoyment and even all of our businesses.

“The environment and wildlife is what the south is known for, from our clean beaches to fabulous countryside and as a great place to live and work.”

Nick Bruce-White, RSPB Regional Director said; “The 2016 State of Nature Report clearly laid out the challenges that nature faces in the UK. 

"The next government will have many choices to make, but none will be more fundamental than the policies it puts in place to restore wildlife.”

Candidates are being asked to share their plans on their websites and tweet them using the hashtag #GreenerSW.