Children strain the mud to look for shrimps and worms

The scheme at Hesketh Out Marsh, which is subject to planning permission, has been billed as one of the largest land reclamation projects in Europe.

If approved, saline lagoons and muddy creeks would be created by breaching embankments and letting in sea.

The RSPB said the reserve would improve habitats for birds including redshanks, skylarks, knots, dunlins and shelducks.

Jo Gilkes, project manager, said: "The opportunity to create rare estuary habitat is a fantastic chance to improve what is already a wonderful area for wildlife."

Ms Gilkes said the community and local businesses would be consulted at every stage of the project.