Haven opens for threatened bird

By 1997, there were only 11 breeding males left in England

One of the country's most important birdlife sites is opening a new £1.1m wildlife haven on Wednesday.

The Martin Mere nature reserve in West Lancashire has converted 150 acres of potato and carrot fields into reedbeds and wet grasslands.

It is hoped the expansion could provide a safe habitat for the Bittern, one of Britain's most endangered birds.

The reedbeds could also provide a home for otters, water voles and several species of bats.

And according to the Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the grasslands should attract Bewick and Hooper swans, lapwing, Pink-footed Goose, Golden Plover and Ruff.