A REPORT into the state of the environment in Wiltshire has been published today – and it doesn’t make reassuring reading.

The report, conducted by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Wiltshire Council, states there are serious problems hidden behind the beauty of the countryside.

Carbon dioxide emissions are 18 per cent higher than the national average, nearly 20 per cent of monuments are at risk and 70 per cent of rivers are not flowing as they should be.

Add to that the fact that 278 plant and animal species in the county are in need of conservation action and it paints a less than pretty picture.

Jenny Hawley, the trust’s environmental intelligence officer and the author of the report, said: “There is more to Wiltshire and Swindon’s environment than meets the eye.

“It is easy to be seduced by the beautiful landscapes, varied wildlife and clean water on tap. Yet there is worrying evidence of threats to, and a decline in, our environment.”

Commissioned by NHS Wiltshire, the report does find positive aspects to highlight including the international importance of ten wildlife sites including Salis-bury Plain and the River Avon.

And there is praise for Stonehenge and Avebury, both world heritage sites. It also found that 44 per cent of the county’s land is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 14 per cent is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Local Wildlife Site.

Wiltshire has also reached record highs for recycling and composting of waste, while 66 per cent of farmland is in environmental stewardship schemes and air quality is good overall. But important geological, wildlife and historical sites are at risk, there have been declines in wildlife species, and there are concerns about water quality and low rainfall.

Trust director Dr Gary Mantle said: “When we’re surrounded by such beautiful countryside, it’s easy to think that all is well. Yet each of us depends on the environment and has an impact upon it. The long-term trends highlighted in this report show that we can’t afford to take anything for granted.

“The current drought situation is a perfect example.

“Rainfall has been well below average for the last 18 months and this is already having a severe impact on wildlife and farming. A few weeks of heavy showers won’t solve this problem.”