CONSERVATIONISTS have launched a campaign in a bid to overturn the decision for a huge solar park in West Dorset.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and the wildlife trusts nationally have launched an online campaign asking Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles to ‘call in’ the decision and order a public inquiry.

West Dorset District Council’s planning committee approved the application for the solar park on a legally protected wildlife site at the former transmitting station Rampisham Down earlier this month.

They heard it would create jobs and boost the economy as well as create renewable energy.

Both Dorset Wildlife Trust and Natural England objected to the application.

The 72 hectare (187 acre) site was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in August 2013, and is one of the largest sites of lowland acid grassland remaining in England.

Chief Executive of Dorset Wildlife Trust Dr Simon Cripps said: “Dorset Wildlife Trust is not against renewable energy development, but we will oppose it on sites where the development could cause harm to the environment.

"Rampisham Down is already legally protected, and there is an alternative site across the road, which we would support.

"If this development were to go ahead, it could put other SSSI’s in the UK under threat.

"It is vital the Government respects the legislation that protects our valuable wildlife.

"We now need the full support of the public to get this decision re-considered by the Minister, Eric Pickles, but we don’t have long.”

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the South West said: "Rampisham is part of a national network of protected wildlife sites.

"These are the best of the best, the natural equivalent of Stonehenge or our great cathedrals.

"As we provide the highest levels of protection for places like Stonehenge, so we must for places like Rampisham.

"Yet here, and also currently at Lodge Hill in Kent, these unique places are under threat.

"If they are lost, we lose a piece of our national heritage. For this reason we strongly urge the Secretary of State to call in the application and consider the matter in a public inquiry."

Chief Executive of Butterfly Conservation Dr Martin Warren said: “The SSSI network is fundamental to the future of butterflies and most other special wildlife in the UK.

"Any development at Rampisham will set a precedent that could damage this vital system and make it impossible to meet our international obligations to save biodiversity.”

To back the campaign visit http://wtru.st/SaveRDown

Use #saverampisham on Twitter, or visit facebook.com/dorsetwildlife