At last the General Election is over so let’s move on from the second level issues that have bedevilled the debate so far.

Yes, the economy is important but it is a poor second to the environment.

It may help media and politicians (in all parties) to remember a basic truism – you can have environment without an economy but you can’t have an economy without an environment.

If handled correctly the economy and the environment need not conflict, indeed the only true future is if these are mutually supportive.

Yet the 1960s re-run we’ve seen over the past months gives very little cause for optimism.

The focus has been almost entirely on the country’s financial deficit, and the plans to reduce it. Yet our ecological deficit is greater and getting worse.

Wildlife is in continual decline, resource use goes up, climate change continues and land is continually lost to development.

Our impact is far greater than the land we have to support us and in response we just vaguely hope that it won’t matter too much.

Fortunately, although national politicians and media may have forgotten this (although several local politicians are honourable exceptions), many businesses have moved into the 21st century and their business models are built around a greener economy – reducing environmental impact, reducing resource use and enhancing wildlife.

Sussex Wildlife Trust will not be forgetting the real value of the environment.

Throughout June we are challenging people to do something ‘wild’ on every day of the month. Visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild and receive your pack of ideas and inspiration.

Dr Tony Whitbread, chief executive Sussex Wildlife Trust