Nature expert Chris Packham has branded plans for a £50 million development at a Kent beauty spot "catastrophic".

The ambitious scheme is proposed for Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal, and would see a 120-bed luxury hotel and the county's first ever surf resort built.

The project has proved controversial since it was announced in 2021, sparking concerns for wildlife and a loss of green open space.

This is despite bosses' assurances that almost 30 acres of the huge park will be set aside for wildlife habitats, and that they will be setting up an ecological management plan.

In fact, the team say that once the development is complete, there will be a 11% biodiversity net gain.

But that hasn't stopped Springwatch presenter Mr Packham from speaking out against the plans to his half-a-million Facebook followers.

In his post, he urges his fans to sign a petition put together by community group Friends of Betteshanger.

Mr Packham says people should "voice your objections to what would be a catastrophic development", adding that the hotel and surf park would result in a "biodiversity crisis".

He lists concerns for "turtle doves, skylarks, lizard orchids and more", adding: “If you have ever heard the purring of a turtle dove, you would do anything in your power to save it.”

Those behind the petition, to be presented to Dover District Council, say they want to "provide a voice for the wildlife at Betteshanger Country Park in the face of developments that threaten both habitats and wildlife survival".

It has been signed by 2,700 people.

The group previously organised a demonstration outside the country park over their fears, holding signs reading "stop eco vandalism" and "save our wildlife".

In response to Mr Packham's post, Stuart O'Leary, head of Betteshanger Country Park, says additional off-site mitigation strategies are being worked on.

He also says provisions have already been put in place to protect the turtle doves and flowers.

"We have robust mitigation strategies proposed on-site at Betteshanger Country Park for both lizard orchids and turtle doves, which include additional habitat and foraging ground," he said.

"These strategies are currently under consideration as part of the two planning applications.

"We are now working on additional off-site mitigation strategies, which has the potential for significant betterment, in direct response to the concerns raised by Mr Packham and the Friends of Betteshanger, and will provide further details on these in due course."

A spokesman for The Seahive - which is behind the surf park - said the team are now "exploring additional measures to bolt onto our existing ecology plans".

They added: "The post does not represent the full picture of The Seahive’s proposed scheme which not only seeks to mitigate and enhance existing ecology for future generations but is also underpinned by a deep purpose-led vision which is rooted in - and anchored around - mental health, inclusivity, sustainability and education.

"We are in contact with Chris and his team and, following feedback, are exploring the development of additional measures to bolt onto our existing ecology plans to add greater confidence that it will not just survive, but thrive in the long-run."

Former colliery Betteshanger Country Park has been subject to many improvements since 2019 and is home to walking and cycling paths, a children's play area, museum and restaurant.

It attracts 700,000 visitors each year.

If approved, The Seahive wave resort and separate luxury hotel could be open as soon as 2025.

The overall masterplan for the 15-acre site will feature a Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon at its centre, which can create more than 20 different wave types from 50cm to two metres, providing rides of up to 15 seconds long for all ages and abilities.

The lagoon will be the second of its kind in England and the seventh of its kind in the world, with others in Melbourne, South Korea, Switzerland, Brazil, Wales and Bristol.

Fifteen holiday lodges on the site - sleeping up to eight people each - would provide accommodation to visitors, who would be able to enjoy a wellness centre equipped with a yoga studio and gym.

Guests could instead choose to stay in a 120-room luxury spa hotel proposed as part of a separate application for the country park.

That development would include a gym, restaurant/bar and parking.

Sue Sullivan, from Friends of Betteshanger, said: "We are really grateful to Chris for flagging up the importance of Betteshanger County Park for its wildlife, and for all the people who have signed the petition.

"We are in the midst of a biodiversity crisis.

"Betteshanger County Park and its wildlife must be protected as an open green space for people and wildlife."

Subject to planning consent, Mr O'Leary previously said construction on the two projects could begin in the second quarter of 2023.