Conservative Party leader David Cameron has outlined new plans for the creation of parks and green spaces in a bid to compensate for the impact of future development on the UK's biodiversity.

In a speech to the Wildlife Trusts at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, Oxfordshire, Cameron's proposed 'conservation credits', would see any negative effect on the environment offset by equivalent investment in biodiversity elsewhere in order to protect the natural ecosystems.

Hilborne said: "Our natural environment faces enormous challenges from climate change, which in turn are likely to have profound effects on the way we live our lives for decades to come. "Successive governments will need to prepare the UK for these changes and invest in restoring our natural ecosystems. Political leadership – thinking for the long term – is increasingly vital. We believe David Cameron has taken a welcome step in the process."