THE RSPB have described the potential weakening of EU nature laws as the “biggest disaster for wildlife in our lifetime” which could have serious implications on the Salisbury Plain.

The directives that have protected the region's wildlife since the 1970s are under threat according to the society and they have backed a European wide campaign to save them.

They have listed Salisbury Plain as one of the places at risk and say unpicking these laws would be "catastrophic" for wildlife.

Tony Whitehead from the RSPB in the West Country said: "The nature directives are the bedrock of nature conservation in the West Country; providing the highest level of protection that any habitats or species currently have – and they work.

"Despite this, the current political climate is hostile to any regulation in the European Union and there is a general desire to see it stripped away, regardless of the consequences.

“Sadly, this includes the nature directives. Whilst the directives may not be perfect, we believe it is critical that they are not opened up for revision. If they are, many European leaders will take the opportunity to weaken them.

"If this were to happen, it would probably be the biggest disaster for wildlife in our lifetime."

The RSPB is appealing to people across the West Country to help to defend these laws by signing a petition on their website.

Martin Harper, RSPB conservation director, said: “If you enjoy the dawn chorus, full of blackbirds and robins, or the once in a lifetime glimpse of otters or bottlenose dolphins, or birds of prey circling overhead as you cycle through the countryside it’s important to remember that if it weren’t for the nature directives, you might not be enjoying these wonderful sights and sounds.

“At the moment, the laws to make sure these wonderful places are protected work.

“But if they get weakened these safeguards would be lost with potentially catastrophic consequences for our already threatened wildlife. Your time spent in the great outdoors could look, feel and sound very different.”

To sign the petition visit rspb.org.uk/defendnature.