A major conservation project has reached its first milestone with vital improvements completed at two of West Sussex most important nature reserves as thousands of migrating birds arrive for the winter.

Work at RSPB Pulborough Brooks and RSPB Pagham Harbour has delivered new wetland habitats, improved visitor facilities and better water management in a project worth £300,000. The work forms the first major phase of the wider £2.4m Downs to the Sea programme, which began earlier this year.

The project aims to restore and create a network of blue spaces across the region. It is supported by a £1.7m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from Southern Water and DPD.