Residents enjoying coastal walks are urged to look out for a quarter of a million birds that have come to rest in the Towns this winter.

Medway Council has teamed up with the RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, Natural England and other councils to set up the Bird Wise project to help protect the animals.

Some travel from as far away as the Arctic to the food-rich haven of the marshes and estuaries.

Cliffe is the most popular wader destination on the south of the Thames.

The coast is popular for a whole host of activities but some of those can put wildlife at risk

Portfolio holder for community services Cllr Howard Doe (Con) said: “Hundreds of thousands of birds travel to Medway each year and it’s incredibly important that we continue to protect the estuaries and marshes to ensure they keep coming back.

"We’re encouraging residents and visitors to visit the coast and enjoy the wildlife they find there but we’re asking them to consider making small changes to reduce their impact on the environment.”

People are urged to keep their dogs under close control, stay back from feeding or resting birds, follow signs and keep to designated paths and pick up after their dogs.

For more information visit www.birdwise.org.uk