This is essential in the light of a backlash against regulation to prevent further pollution of our already beleaguered rivers from excess nutrients. And there has been undue criticism of Natural England for doing its job, which is to advise government on how best to implement existing environmental laws.

Dorset Wildlife Trust calls for a unified stand to protect our environment. Over many years, political leaders in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have been strongly committed to conserving and enhancing our rich and varied natural environment. Many schemes to protect the environment have been pioneered here, including nutrient management, heathland protection and managing the impacts of tourism and recreation.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is clear that the urgent need to address a housing shortfall should not be an excuse for weak environmental regulation.

Strong and independent environmental regulation is vital for economic growth, housing quality, and public health, as well as nature conservation. There is consensus among business leaders, scientists, voters, and young people that nature's wellbeing is central to our future prosperity.

Although environmental regulation has been attacked in sections of the media, many national political leaders have made public, on-the-record commitments to uphold environmental protections during the passage of the Retained EU Law Act. Dorset Wildlife Trust encourages them to honour these promises and deliver a legacy of environmental improvement.

Commitment to enhancing the quality of the natural environment and the ecological health of our rivers and waterways is essential, both nationally and locally. We urge our local elected leaders to continue their tradition of support for nature conservation in Dorset. A natural environment that is good for wildlife is also one in which people can lead healthy and prosperous lives.