Conservationists hope more than 189 acres (76.5ha) of habitat will be created through the project.

Sediment collected during harbour maintenance is being used to restore saltmarsh habitats on the north-east Essex coast.

The sand and gravel will be removed from Copperas Bay, near Wrabness, until 20 March and redistributed across the Harwich Haven.

Conservationists hope the saltmarsh, created from the project on the River Stour estuary, will cover more than 189 acres (76.5ha) - or about 107 football pitches.