News

A nature reserve on Romney Marsh that has become home to a group of young marsh harriers is being threatened by airport expansion.

This summer, for the first time, young marsh harriers have been seen flying from the Dungeness reserve, next to Lydd airport, which has been earmarked for expansion.

Peter Akers, a warden at the RSPB-owned reserve said: "This is the first time marsh harriers have nested at Dungeness. They are regular visitors in winter but in the past have gone elsewhere to breed."

The appearance of the three birds, which are about six weeks old, has been cited by conservationists as a reason why the airport's application for a longer runway and a new terminal should be turned down.

Bob Gomes, the reserve manager, said: "Airport expansion could not come at a worse time for Dungeness. It has long been an invaluable site for wintering, breeding and migrating birds and it would be a bitter blow if expansion hampered management on the reserve."

Staff are hoping that chicks from a second nest will also thrive.

Mr Akers said enlarged and improved reedbeds had been the key to attracting the marsh harriers.

The 1,000-acre Dungeness reserve is the RSPB's largest site in the south-east. The area attracts 120,000 birds in winter, including large flocks of gulls, ducks and lapwing.

There are concerns that plans to lengthen Lydd's runway by 444 metres and to build a new terminal - to host large commercial aircraft and increase passenger numbers from fewer than 5,000 to 500,000 annually – could block improvements on the reserve designed to increase bird numbers and help other wildlife.

"More flights and larger aircraft would cause huge disturbance to birds already on the reserve, especially to flocks of lapwing and golden plover in winter," said Mr Gomes.

Lydd's planning application is being considered by Shepway district council, which has asked the airport for more information before making its decision.

The RSPB said it would, if necessary, call for a public inquiry to consider the plans for Lydd.