Protesters gathered outside a country park to oppose plans for a new £50 million luxury hotel and surfing lagoon.

Bosses at Betteshanger Country Park want to build the 120-room hotel and resort on the site near Deal but those opposed to the plans fear it will cause serious harm to wildlife.

The demonstration on Saturday was organised by Friends of Betteshanger who are worried the development will affect the area's animals and plants - with concerns for skylarks, lizards and doves in particular.

Others say the wave lagoon is not needed as the south east is already surrounded by the sea.

The campaigners held signs reading ‘stop eco vandalism’ and ‘save our wildlife’.

Protester Sue Sullivan said: "Turtle Doves have declined by 98% since the 1970s and we have a special responsibility to protect their remaining habitats, such as those at Betteshanger Country Park, and prevent their extinction in the UK.

"The colony of Lizard Orchids at Betteshanger rivals that at Sandwich Bay Nature Reserve. They are a treasure of Dover District."

Adding his concerns, Colin Bridgland said: "I am not against a hotel or surfing facility, but this is our Country Park, it’s the wrong place for such developments."

Two separate applications for the hotel and surf facility known as SEAHIVE which are destined for the former colliery, were submitted to Dover District Council last month.

Management revealed their plans to create the luxury 120-bedroom hotel with a spa, gym, restaurant and bar earlier this year.

The proposal for the surf park also includes a building to house a café, shop, changing facilities and multi-use space.

It is modelled to be similar to The Wave at Bristol.

There would be 15 overnight holiday pods, a learning hive, yoga studio, fitness/health and wellbeing facilities and a bicycle track.

But objectors say they are also "deeply concerned" about climate change and the carbon footprint the surfing lagoon could bring alongside the estimated 700,000 visitors expected each year.

They say it contradicts the council's plans to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Others however have spoken in support of the ambitious schemes, who say it will be a needed boost for tourism in the south east.

Stuart O'Leary, Head of Betteshanger Country Park has defended the plans saying: "Betteshanger Country Park is absolutely committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

"We have one of the largest populations of Lizard Orchids in the UK and the SEAHIVE proposal involves relocating a small percentage of these to another area of the park.

"This translocation programme, that will need to be licensed by Natural England post-planning, is proposed based on a tried and tested model.

"All of these plants, as well as wider habitats for other species such as turtle doves will be then protected by a dedicated monitoring and enhancement programme led by a wildlife warden, funded by the proposal, with the role able to be secured by a legal agreement.

"Since the park was bought out of administration, millions of pounds have been spent completing the Kent Mining Museum, delivering a fantastic play park, The Lamp Room Kitchen + Bar, The Glass Room Events Space and creating an exciting and engaging country park.

"Running the park requires significant funding and additions, like the once in a lifetime opportunity to create a surf resort, are absolutely essential to maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the park.

"Along with enhancing the natural environment, the SEAHIVE proposal will bring new jobs and training opportunities as part of a phenomenal new offering.

"A significant part of our proposal is to work with the local community, through a purpose-built Learning Hive, which will house the Wave Project's surf therapy programme for 8 to 21 year olds supporting those with mental and physical health difficulties.

"This form of surf therapy has become an established form of therapeutic support for both mental and physical health and recognised by the NHS, the Police and Blue Light services.

"With an implementable environmental enhancement programme, a major boost to the whole area's tourism sector and a huge positive social impact, the SEAHIVE proposal is an opportunity to do something truly amazing in the district."