It must be one of Norfolk's loneliest lodgings, a primitive wooden home on a far-flung corner of a coastal nature reserve.

Built just over 20 years ago, the warden's hut on Scolt Head Island needs new timber cladding and doors to replace wood which is succumbing to the harsh environment.

Natural England has been given planning permission to refurbish the building, which is home to a staff member who watches over the internationally-important reserve and the birds which breed on it between April and September.

Eastern Daily Press: An aerial view of Scolt Head Island An aerial view of Scolt Head Island (Image: Mike Page)

Their neighbours include thousands of pairs of terns and plovers, which breed amid the dunes and marshes, safely accessible only by boat or the ferry which runs from Burnham Overy Staithe.

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A planning officer's report said work on the hut involves "the refurbishment of the existing staff accommodation" along with roof-mounted solar panels, new doors and shutters for security when the hut is empty over the winter months.

Eastern Daily Press: Terns are among the species which breed on Scolt Head IslandTerns are among the species which breed on Scolt Head Island (Image: Linda Bohea)

It adds: "It is considered that the proposed development is relatively minor and would cause no harm to the appearance of the existing building, nor would the works adversely affect the conservation or landscape quality of Scolt Head Island and its locally, nationally and internationally protected sites."

Work will be carried out in September, after the terns have bred but before the arrival of the over-wintering pink-footed geese and waterfowl which arrive as autumn sets in on the coast.

Eastern Daily Press: The ferry leaves Burnham Overy Staithe on its way to Scolt Head IslandThe ferry leaves Burnham Overy Staithe on its way to Scolt Head Island (Image: Chris Bishop)

Materials will be ferried across to the 1,800-acre island by boat, before being carried manually to the hut along established paths, to avoid disturbing the island's wildlife.

As well as the Ternery Hut, which stands on the western side of the island, Scolt is also home to the Main Hut, built from oak in 1923 for the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Trust, which is also still used by wardens and naturalists.