The government has backed a bid that could see parts of Norfolk join the Great Barrier Reef and Athens' Acropolis in being granted Unesco World Heritage Site status. 

The county's coastal wetlands form part of a wild bird superhighway that sees millions of birds travel from Africa to northern Europe each year.

It is one of seven sites that have been recommended by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to be in the running to join the prestigious list.

If awarded, it would give Norfolk the opportunity to gain international recognition and promote the important natural habitat on a global stage.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk's coastal wetlands form an important part of a wild bird superhighwayNorfolk's coastal wetlands form an important part of a wild bird superhighway (Image: Newsquest)

Heritage minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “Today we are confirming our support for some of the most enchanting heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes in the UK and its overseas territories as they bid for Unesco World Heritage Site status.

“All the locations being put forward would be worthy recipients of this accolade – and we will give them our full backing so they can benefit from the international recognition it can bring.”

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Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the Snettisham Spectacular, an annual event that sees thousands of wader birds take flightScenes from the Snettisham Spectacular, an annual event that sees thousands of wader birds take flight (Image: Newsquest)

The East Atlantic Flyway is an important migratory bird route which connects the Arctic, Siberia and northeast Canada to the east coast of England and other wintering sites as far south as South Africa, according to the RSPB.

Each winter and spring, wetlands from The Humber to the Thames are filled with over one million overwintering birds, making it a "globally important place for nature".

Norfolk is one of the best places to see this phenomenon, with thousands flocking to the county for the chance to witness events like the Snettisham Spectacular every year.

Other sites nominated for Unesco status include the historic city of York and Birkenhead Park.

If successful, the seven sites would join the 33 other World Heritage sites already based in the UK including Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall.