Biggest man-made nature reserve to become haven for wildlife
A project in Essex to create what's believed to be the largest man-made nature reserve in Europe has reached a significant milestone with the completion of first phase of work.
The Jubilee Marsh at Wallasea Island near Southend has been created thanks to work that's been going on in the depths underneath London.
The marsh will eventually be home to tens of thousands migratory wetland birds.
The RSPB is recreating an ancient wetland landscape that's been lost for more than 400 years.
170 hectares of new inter tidal habitat has been created using 3 million tonnes of earth from the tunnelling of London's Crossrail project.
The material first arrived in 2012 with boats using a purpose-built jetty to receive the clay, gravel and sand.
On 11 July 2015 the old sea wall was breached allowing controlled flooding of the site. It was the first time saltwater had reached the land for more than four centuries.
In two years time it's hoped this area will resemble salt marshes and mudflats that were created on the north of the island in 2006.
Click below to watch a report on the project by ITV News Anglia's Serena Sandhu
Another seven million tonnes of earth is needed to complete the project but with Crossrail's tunnelling completed it will come from a new partner.
Work could start next year and the RSPB hopes it'll create the perfect home for up to 50,000 migratory wetland birds.