The new President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England has spoken of his determination to spare the countryside from going to waste.
Sir Andrew Motion says rural campaigners are facing their greatest challenge in the history of the planet, as environmentalists struggle to win the war on litter louts and polluters.
And he said how nuclear developments – such as the Hinkley Power Plant in Somerset – have a certain role to play in the planet's energy security.
In an interview with the Western Morning News, Sir Andrew said: "The whole energy provision and how it impacts the countryside is very difficult.
"I never thought I'd hear myself say I think nuclear should be part of it, but I think nuclear should be part if it. It doesn't charge greenhouse gases into the atmosphere."
The former Poet Laureate added: "I do think there is reason to think the danger is graver now than it ever has been.
"We have climate change. What are we going to do about that? That hasn't been a clear and present danger before, as it is now."