A farmer has offered to turn hundreds of acres of farmland into a nature reserve.

Vision - farmer David Eagle surveys land at the Naze

David Eagle recently announced plans for a £1.5 million visitor centre using a large 19th century barn complex on his farm at Walton.

He said he felt the traditional east coast "kiss me quick" resort needed re-inventing.

"It needs a change in its concept, its image and its market to be successful," he said.

The complex and reserve could bring in thousands of new visitors to the area plus extra jobs.

More than 800 acres of farmland, currently protected by the Naze cliffs, would be switched to provide an east coast sanctuary for wildlife.

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Published Wednesday, September 29, 2004

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