The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) claims we could be facing "a desperate fight for the two counties' precious natural assets, with wildlife and communities losing out to development and intensive land use" - but the Isle of Wight's MP has dismissed that.

The HIWWT's comments follow allegations by the RSPB, which protects birdlife across the UK, that some recently announced government policies are an 'attack on nature'.

Debbie Tann, Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), said: "This is completely unprecedented. The government is abandoning all manifesto promises for nature’s recovery, instead choosing a bonfire of the environmental laws they now describe as ‘burdens’." 

The National Trust, which manages a large part of the West Wight, has also raised concerns, saying the Government is going in the “opposite direction” to supporting the environment.

It follows Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's mini budget announcements on Friday.

MP for the Isle of Wight, Bob Seely, has dismissed claims and insists Conservative policies are in nature's good.

He told the Isle of Wight County Press: "The work done by this Conservative Government on the environment is proofed, and the strongest in decades.

"The Environment Bill will do more to improve the UK’s environment than any single measure in decades."

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The HIWWT said 'you cannot create a sustainable economy or resilient society, without a healthy environment' and has accused the government of 'reckless and irresponsible' behaviour.

Meanwhile, the RSPB said it was concerned that Habitats Regulations, which protect vulnerable wildlife and green places in England, will be scrapped, along with threats to rules ensuring clean water, beaches and rivers.      

On Friday, Dorset and Southampton city were revealed as possible 'Investment Zones' - which could mean a change to planning and development laws.

The areas covered are adjacent to The Solent, which is protected.

Jeff Knott, the RSPB’s director of policy and advocacy, said: "One of these government actions alone would be a disaster - taken together, in such quick succession, with no debate or scrutiny, amounts to one of the most brazen attacks on nature we have ever seen.   

"The impact will be far-reaching, mountain to coast. It will affect habitats and species.

“We are readying ourselves to fight the biggest attack on nature in a generation and are calling on our partners, supporters, and people who love their local wildlife, to help by contacting their MPs and making themselves heard."  

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The charity says progress of the changes needs to be slowed, to allow scrutiny.