A sprawling nature reserve left untouched for decades is to undergo renovation works in an effort to boost biodiversity.

The RSPB has gained permission to install more islands, fences, gates, crossing points and livestock pens to Seasalter Levels marshlands between Whitstable and Faversham.

It is hoped the work, given the green light by Canterbury City Council, could lay the foundations for public access to be introduced at the 715-acre reserve for the first time.

The expanse, which stretches from the verge of the coastline to Monkshill, is one of Kent’s – and the country’s – lesser known nature reserves due to the prohibition of the public.

However, with the permitted renovations, those managing the site say it is an “aspiration to provide public access as soon as feasible”.

They say it would be for part of the marshland and hope it can become a place for “local people and tourists to enjoy the benefits of having a thriving nature reserve on their doorstep”.

The land is a haven for numerous bird species yet it is deemed to be in an “unfavourable ecological condition” and therefore requires development.

Plans to enhance the wetlands were submitted to the council earlier this year, and have this month been given the go-ahead after attracting no objections.

Engineering works to be undertaken as part of the project will allow the RSPB to control the site’s water levels to “increase topographical variation”.

In doing so, it said the RSPB will be recreating wetland habitats which will improve the condition of the internationally-recognised sites and make them resilient to the effects of climate change.

The levels – which are predominantly made up of mudflats, grazing fields and dykes – are one of the prime spots in the UK to see the “vulnerable” curlew - Europe’s largest wading bird.

They are managed in partnership by the RSPB, Natural England and Canterbury and Swale councils.

While plans to modify the Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) have been given the go-ahead, a bid to expand the neighbouring Alberta Holiday Park remains undecided.

An additional 91 caravans are planned for the Seasalter site. The controversial proposal was deferred at a decision-making meeting last month, to allow for tweaks to be made.

Also near to the wetlands, Graveney Marshes is set become home to the UK’s largest solar farm when the Cleve Hill project becomes a reality.

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