The publication of the latest set of Defra's UK Biodiversity Indicators last week revealed a mixed picture for nature and wildlife. Although in some areas, biodiversity appears to be improving, in others - particularly those covering the state of wild bird species – things are getting worse.

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Commenting on the figures, RSPB conservation director Martin Harper said the government in power after the May election needs to take biodiversity seriously, and that funding for conservation and environment measures should be preserved.

Harper said, "We want to see the recovery of threatened species and it is in all our interests to ensure that we invest in nature's recovery to pass on our natural assets in an enhanced state to the next generation. However, [recent] announcements offer the prospect of more dramatic cuts to Government spending.  This must not come at the cost of nature.  This is why in England we are calling for legal duty to restore nature through new legislation – a Nature and Wellbeing Act."

The RSPB director said the charity is concerned about the state of a number of the UK's wildlife sites – known as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. He added, "We know that to save nature we must protect our finest wildlife sites.  Yet nearly two-thirds remain in unfavourable condition in England."