DORSET'S natural wonders could be under threat from the weakening of wildlife protection laws, a charity has claimed.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says proposals by European leaders to reform the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive could see threatened species go unprotected in areas such as the Dorset Heaths, Poole Harbour and the Jurassic Coast.

The charity claims changes to these laws could see habitats lost along with the rare and migratory species which depend on them.

"Our region benefits hugely from the protection the directives provide," said spokesman Tony Whitehead.

"Numerous scientific studies have shown the role they play in driving conservation success.

"Despite this, the current political climate is hostile to any regulation in the European Union and there is a general desire to see it stripped away, regardless of the consequences.

"Sadly, this includes the Nature Directives. Whilst the directives may not be perfect, we believe it is critical that they are not opened up for revision.

"If this were to happen, it would probably be the biggest disaster for wildlife in our lifetime."

The Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive have been in force since 1992 and 1979 respectively, the former requiring member states to identify natural habitats and species of community interest and designate protected Special Areas for Conservation.

These include the heathlands of Dorset and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

The Birds Directive requires member states to maintain bird populations are designated levels.

The charity is calling on the public to help convince European leaders to leave the laws as they are.

"The RSPB and our partners across Europe are aiming for the biggest ever response to an EU consultation," said Mr Whitehead.

"One that will leave European leaders in no doubt that the general public really cares about nature and will not tolerate a weakening of its protection."

Visit rspb.org.uk/defendnature for more information.