A former power station site in West Thurrock has been re-opened as a wetland area of over 100 acres for protecting wildlife.

The new conservation area will work to protect over 1,200 different rare and vulnerable wildlife species.

The completed 'tidal exchange' was unveiled at Oliver Road Lagoons, Thurrock, this week, by the Land Trust, working in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

The two organisations worked with property group Goodman, who own the site, to develop the scheme.

The aim is to re-introduce a wetland area within the southern ash field for over-wintering wildfowl.

Jonathan Ducker, Development Manager at The Land Trust, said: "The transformation of brownfield sites, like Oliver Road Lagoons play a crucial role for the region’s biodiversity. The Land Trust believes that the rewetting regime will create the ideal conditions for wildlife, and in time will provide a valuable wetland habitat."

Paul Heslop, Associate Director, Infrastructure, at Goodman said: “We are delighted to have delivered a balanced development that has enabled us to create a habitat that will protect both invertebrates and birds at West Thurrock.”

Neil Fuller, Conservation Adviser for Natural England, said: "The project will enable a range of important wildlife species including birds such as redshank and rare invertebrates such as the saltmarsh short-spur beetle to thrive as well as enhancing the whole area as a valuable destination for people to visit. This achievement is a real credit to the hard work of all those involved.”

The site was originally used as a fly ash lagoon, to hold discharges from the former West Thurrock power station.

The lagoon attracted a range of wildlife and was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Following the closure of the West Thurrock Power Station in 1993, the lagoon dried up and wildlife habitat at the site fell into decline.

The Land Trust will be given an endowment of in excess of £1.2 million to manage the site.