How old boats are creating a new 'island' for birds in Essex

Conservationists has gone deeper than ever before with a new project to protect local wildlife in Essex.

Three old Thames barges have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary to create a new 'island' habitat for birds.

The large boats - which were once used to transport coal and other materials - have been filled and covered with sediment, which will also help reduce erosion in the area.

The project, by the National Trust, is thought to be the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.

The three old barges date back to the 1950s and measure between 20 and 32 metres long.

They were once used to transport building materials, coal and food from the Port of London.

However, they have now begun a new life as part of efforts to help endangered seabirds that are on the UK red list for conservation.

The three vessels were first cleaned and then towed to the Blackwater Estuary, between Maldon and West Mersea in Essex.

Holes were cut into the hulls to sink the barges and they were then filled with sediment, mostly mud, to weigh them down and secure them in place.

Up to 8,000 cubic metres of sediment - around the volume of three Olympic-sized swimming pools - were used to fill and surround the sunken boats to help form the habitat.

Experts say that it will add a space around the size of a football pitch within the Blackwater Estuary, once the work is complete.

It's hoped that local wildlife including endangered dunlins, curlew, ringed plovers and lapwings will benefit from the new island.

Matt Wilson, from the National Trust, said that the habitat "will provide a refuge for birds above the highest tides and away from disturbance on shore, acting as a lifeline for birds that are running out of safe spaces to nest and rest.

The Trust added that it will also help reduce the erosion of saltmarsh habitat, which is at risk from rising sea levels at neighbouring Northey Island.

Katy Gilchrist, coastal project manager for the National Trust, explained: "This is the ultimate act of marine recycling - transforming retired industrial vessels into a sanctuary for wildlife.

"We're basically turning history into habitat, and as far as we know, no-one has attempted anything quite like this before."