Over the past ten days, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, along with all 45 other Wildlife Trusts, has responded strongly to the government’s outright attack on nature. We have done this in solidarity with the National Trust, the RSPB and 75 other organisations, meaning the whole of the UK’s environmental sector has spoken with one voice to condemn the Government.

Our response may have surprised some of our members, supporters, volunteers and friends. It appears to have surprised the Charity Commission, whose Chairman is reportedly going to warn the environmental sector today over their public criticism of the government’s plans. However when the government is intending to remove nearly every piece of environmental legislation, to retreat from an approach which will deliver for farmers, the public, nature and the climate, to reissue fracking licences and to establish Investment Zones, free from regulatory or democratic control, we would be failing in our charitable purpose if we didn't act. Here in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, we have at least two Investment Zones being proposed, in Arden Cross and south of Coventry.

Our purpose is to bring wildlife back and to help people act for nature. We would respond to an attack on nature, whoever was in power, if they had the same plans. To all political parties we say – instead of creating a fake conflict between wildlife and growth, let’s recognise the truth set out in the Treasury’s review of biodiversity’s economics. That truly sustainable economic growth and development means recognising our long-term prosperity relies on rebalancing our demand of nature, and its capacity to supply us with goods and services.

Then, instead of attack and defence, we could enjoy working together.