THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is pressing on with the long-planned development of its North Kent reserves, despite the Cliffe airport threat.

The society says it is launching its first large-scale events programme to turn the area into a major resource for wildlife enthusiasts.

As proof that it is undaunted by the airport proposal, the society has employed a new member of staff to co-ordinate the events. Bernie Ryan has been appointed as communications officer for the RSPB's important reserves which stretch from Gravesend in the west to Sheppey in the east.

Mr Ryan said: "Before the Cliffe airport was proposed, the RSPB had been building up its land holding in North Kent and our vision was to make our reserves even better for birds and brilliant for people. We cannot afford to be complacent that the airport proposal will be dropped, but we are eager to let the public see and enjoy the landscape they have been campaigning to save."

The first events will be during the October half-term. In Ducks Dinners on Sunday, October 26, visitors will be able to put out supplementary food for the hundreds of widgeon which visit the marshes during winter.

The second event will be Pond Monsters on Wednesday, October 29 a chance to enter the world of pond creatures. These events will set the scene for dozens of other free events throughout the year. The RSPB will have equipment on hand for each event, such as binoculars, magnifiers and pond nets. To find out more about these events and the rest of the Discovering Wildlife or Beginners' Birdfinding events, call Bernie at the RSPB on 01634 222 480 or e-mail bernie.ryan@rspb.org.uk