The debate must be fair, the attention to detail precise. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to consider a matter that has divided the nation for decades – and perhaps achieve some resolution. That debate will be passionate, but we hope it will also be rational and forensic.”

This was the comment at the end of the editorial in today’s Sunday Telegraph (here), after the starting gun for the EU referendum campaign had been fired.

As I wrote last month (here), the outcome of the referendum on UK membership of the EU could have significant implications for the RSPB's ability to fulfil its charitable objects ie acting for nature for public benefit.

So, to contribute to the public debate, the RSPB has joined forces with WWF and TWTs to commission a report from IEEP into the environmental impacts of a UK withdrawal from the EU. This report will be launched on 9 March and will be an opportunity to challenge both sides of the debate how their stance will help...

...protect and enhance wildlife on land and at sea

...tackle climate change

...reduce waste and pollution of air, soil and water

...improve the environmental performance of agriculture and fisheries

...ensure no country gains competitive advantage by trashing their environment.

Mike Richards' image of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, part of the Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs Special Protection Area designated under the EU Birds Directive

Over the course of the next 122 days, I expect there will an enormous amount of noise before people have a chance to vote.

In the run-up to 23 June, we shall do what we can to communicate the environmental challenges we face, to press for environmental issues to feature in the debate, and to ensure that arguments on either side are informed by fact rather than rhetoric, anecdote or hearsay.