Conservation groups have issued a stark warning that Norfolk, Suffolk and the Fens' wildlife-rich nature reserves and landscape should be deemed 'frack-free zones', or vulnerable species like the pink-footed geese could be disturbed.

Eastern Daily Press: Potential licence areas for fracking in the EastPotential licence areas for fracking in the East

As the government's shale gas revolution gathers pace, organisations, including the National Trust and the RSPB, have also warned that drilling for energy could add even more pressure to water-stressed areas, including many parts of our region,

But MPs and experts suggest this region is unlikely to be top of the list for energy companies, with many other areas of Britain hosting more obvious sites.

Cuadrilla, one of the energy firms hoping to exploit the UK's shale gas resources, has already carried out exploratory drilling near Blackpool, angering campaigners concerned about its impact on the environment.

Firms can now apply to the Department of Energy and Climate Change for fracking licences in areas such as the wildlife rich North Norfolk coast, The Wash and West Suffolk.

In a new report - Are We Fit to Frack? - the groups have called for full environmental assessments to be carried out for each drilling proposal, and the shale gas industry to pay the costs of any pollution clean-ups.

It also warns that a lack of regulation could have an adverse impact on a range of wildlife, including the pink-footed geese.

Simon Pryor, National Trust Natural Environment Director, said: 'Whilst the Government is keen to see rapid roll out of fracking, there's a real danger that the regulatory system simply isn't keeping pace. The Government should rule out fracking in the most sensitive areas and ensure that the regulations offer sufficient protection to our treasured natural and historic environment.'

North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said the government should be 'extremely cautious', adding: 'I have not been someone who has said we have to go for fracking at all costs, but I do not philosophically have a problem with fracking, if it can be cost effective and not destructive of the natural environment.'

North-West Norfolk MP Henry Bellingham said he wouldn't completely rule out fracking in East Anglia in sites away from people's homes and areas of outstanding natural beauty, but said he could not think of too many that would be suitable.

'There is going to a conflict with what we have got along the coast, which is a very unique and beautiful environment.

He added that Norfolk was 'well down the list of potential sites' and was more likely to affect this generation's great, great grandchildren.

Norfolk County Council has a new working party on fracking, which published a report this week.

Andrew Boswell, Green Party councillor who is leading the fracking group, said: 'Developing a whole, new fossil fuel industry is a dangerous distraction from making the necessary investment into renewables and a thriving low carbon energy economy in the East.'

He said the group wanted to work closely with the district councils, particularly in North Norfolk and West Norfolk which were the most likely areas for any fracking applications in Norfolk.

A DECC spokesperson said local councils were best placed to decide if fracking was suitable in their local area, and an environmental impact assessment was likely to be required in designated areas.

She added: 'Rather than having a blanket ban on certain areas, planning authorities will assess each application on a case by case basis, including those parts of the country where there is a general presumption against development.'

'We also have regulations in place to ensure on-site safety, prevent water contamination, mitigate seismic activity and air pollution and we have been successfully regulating for gas and oil drilling for over 50 years.'

What do you think about fracking? Write (giving your full contact details) to: The Letters Editor, EDP, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email EDPLetters@archant.co.uk