Our main concern is about damage to the estuary itself which is so important for these ducks and waders that are coming down here to feed all the way from the Arctic

Dr Robert Walton, English Nature

In order to qualify as a place of special scientific interest there need to be at least 30 breeding pairs of birds.

Observers have counted 31 pairs of lapwings at the site as well as a collection of rare bees, flies and beetles.

Dr Robert Walton, from English Nature, said they had concerns over the planned port.

"Our main concern is about damage to the estuary itself which is so important for these ducks and waders that are coming down here to feed all the way from the Arctic.

Public inquiry

"Many of them are using it as a sort of motorway service station on their way down to Africa."

The foreshore at Dibden has had major European protection for some time, but the land behind, which stretches over 240 hectares, had no legal protection.

When Associated British Ports, who want to build the container terminal on the land, began working on the proposal none of the land involved was protected.

The company may have to rethink what it offers to offset its destruction of the land.

A public inquiry into Dibden will begin next month.