THIS is a troubling time for me privately and as the manager of Britain’s favourite nature reserve (Rye Harbour).

Our politicians are squabbling over the next General Election and not mentioning our environment.

Rye Harbour has benefited from the EU.

It is designated as a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.

This international level of protection has guided most of the improvements we have been able to make here during the last 20 years.

This includes the reedbed creation at Castle Water which is now home to booming bitterns, pinging beaded tits and the majestic marsh harriers.

About a third of our annual running costs come from agricultural payments and the future of these are uncertain outside the EU.

We are only just beginning to realise the magnitude of possible changes.

Above all of this there is the almost inevitable threat of climate change to our way of life.

We need a forward thinking, inspirational government to change individual, organisational and governmental behaviours and attitudes.

To me, our environment matters more than anything else, we all need water and food and a healthy space to live in but are your prospective parliamentary candidates saying anything about this?

The decisions our Government makes affect our environment and our everyday lives.

Please make sure that the people looking for your support know how much the environment means to you.

  • Barry Yates is the Sussex Wildlife Trust Manager of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.