Two purple herons will get 24-hour protection after becoming the first of their kind to nest in the UK.

The birds have set up home in Kent and are ready to lay eggs and raise their young, the RSPB revealed today.

But charity officials have warned the pair could become a target for egg poachers - so a round-the-clock watch has been launched.

Officers from Kent Police are now helping protect the nest in Dungeness with the RSPB’s Species Protection Scheme.

The RSPB also fears the bird could lose their home because it’s on the site of Lydd Airport’s proposed expansion.

The controversial project was waived through by Shepway District Council - while the RSPB called for it to thrown out.

According to experts, the striking birds - which breed in southern Europe and visit the UK in small numbers each year - would suffer.

RSPB conservation manager Samantha Dawes said: "The RSPB has a century-long heritage of protecting birds in Kent.

"Our protection scheme at the site provides immediate security for the birds.

"But the potential development of an airport on the peninsular casts a large shadow over the future of this magnificent site and its wildlife.

"Purple herons are high up on the list of birds that we expect to see setting up home in southern Britain as the changing climate pushes them further north.

"This highlights the importance of wildlife havens like Dungeness in providing space for species displaced by global warming."

Although purple herons have struggled in Europe over the last few decades, experts say the numbers of purple herons breeding in the UK are expected to increase.

PC Michael Laidlow, Kent Police’s Environmental Crime Coordinator, said: "We would remind any members of the public that any attempt to intentionally damage an occupied nest or remove eggs constitutes a criminal offence."

Samantha added: "At the moment there is little for visitors to see as the birds are sitting tight on the nest.

"The area is a great place to visit and is teeming with spring wildlife - but please don’t come hoping to see the herons as you are likely to be disappointed.

"If the eggs hatch successfully then we hope to set up a viewing station at a safe distance away from which the public will be able to catch a glimpse of this historic wildlife moment."

The purple heron, closely related to the larger and common grey heron, can reach 90cm in height with a wingspan of up to 1.5m.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity at the site should call the RSPB or Kent Police on 01622 690 690.