Councillors and officers have been given an insight into plans for a massive bird sanctuary on the banks of the River Thames.

Bill Oddie, television personality and well-known birdwatcher, joined RSPB officers - including site manager Mark Underhill - on Aveley Marshes.

Mr Oddie said he was excited by the RSPB's plans for the area, which runs from close to the Garrison Estate at Purfleet to Rainham, adding that he has been a regular visitor to the marshes "since the 60s".

He said that the proposal "is one of the great wildlife success stories of recent time".

He added: "Managed by the RSPB, it will become a wonderful asset for east London and Thurrock."

Mr Underhill told the councillors that the Ministry of Defence would be working at the Thurrock end of the site first, making the area safe and clearing away any ordnance they find.

"It will take at least two years before we are ready for unescorted visitors, but before then we hope to start attracting people to the site.

"There will be guided tours and we hope to build a classroom so children can come and see what a marvellous place this is."

The RSPB is working with Oxford University in preparing a detailed survey of all the building on the site.

Although the marshes date back to mediaeval times and much of it will be restored to medieval-style grazing land, the more recent history is also of interest and some will be retained.

Among the thousands of birds seen during the trip - mainly flying away as the coach party arrived - were teal, short-eared owls, widgeon and lapwing in addition to a very noisy colony of seagulls!

Birdwatcher - Bill Oddie gets a good look at the Aveley Marshes site which is being developed into a huge bird sanctuary

Picture: ANDY LEVER

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