Workers have begun removing reeds from Westbere Marshes to encourage wildlife to breed there and to open the area up.

Some the trees which have become the home of crows and magpies which attack the nests of rare species like the bearded tit will also be removed.

Richard Sutherland, of the Wild Spaces Fund, which has taken over the marshes, said: “We hope to attract people to the area with a real interest in wildlife.

“Our plan is to reopen the waterways which have become choked with reed through lack of management.

“It will take several years to open up the water, reduce the reeds, encourage nesting. But if we are successful we will bring back the bitterns that have completely disappeared in recent years.”

The Wild Spaces Fund was launched in early February. It currently manages six birding areas and hopes to open up more lande.

To become a Friend of the Wild Spaces Fund costs £20 per year.

Click here to download an application form or write to Wild Spaces Fund, PO Box 246, Herne Bay, CT6 6WN