Urgent repair work has started at the RSPB's flagship Titchwell Marsh nature reserve in West Norfolk to protect it against future floods.

The reserve suffered at the hands of the storm surge on December 5 last year. The devastation caused major damage with benches strewn with debris and the iconic boardwalk to the beach in tatters.

Paul Eele, warden at the RSPB Titchwell and Snettisham reserves, said: 'Sand dunes that were 30ft in height were flattened by the surge. Most concerning, the sea defence walls on the eastern side of the reserve proved incapable of withstanding the volume and power of the surge and sea water seeped through into the valuable habitat, leaving the structures damaged and vulnerable to future surge events.'

The RSPB started repair work yesterday before the predicted high tides of the winter.

The work should be completed during this autumn and early winter with minimal disruption to both visitors and wildlife. Bird lovers around the country contributed £80,000 towards an appeal to fund repairs to the West Norfolk reserves, which attract thousands of visitors to the coast each year.

The RSPB has extended its Storm Surge Appeal to help raise more funds for this work. Go to https://www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/donations/campaigns/flood-appeal/

Have you got a story about wildlife in West Norfolk? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk