Bosses at Marsh Farm were today celebrating a new deal which will protect a stretch of precious coastline.

The South Woodham farm has agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), to conserve 48 hectares of land.

This means a pledge that water ditches will be cultivated and less sprays, fertiliser and manure used.

The number of sheep and cattle kept in the marshes must also be limited in return for Government payments of around £8,000 a year.

David Mason, the farm's manager said: "We are delighted to get confirmation of the agreement.

"Much of the country park is already a site of special scientific interest and is listed as a wetland of international importance.

"The new scheme provides much of the necessary finance to continue traditional farming methods. We are also planning to give special walks and events to explain the significance of this agreement to visitors."

The signing of the 10-year deal comes after lengthy consultation with English Nature and the Farming and Rural Conservation Agency.

Carl Borges, from English Nature, said it had been liaising between the farm and MAFF to come up with a suitable deal.

He said: "We now have an ideal agreement as to how the site will be managed and we are also contributing towards the cost of the work which needs to be done.

"One of the main areas we have been working on is raising the water levels in the ditches which the wading birds use. These are of national importance."

The marshlands contain a range of plants and are a popular wintering site for dark-bellied geese.

Marsh Farm and country park occupies 141 hectares of land backing onto the River Crouch. It is currently celebrating its best season since 1993 with more than 114,000 visitors.

(Right) Boating haven - the inlet is popular with yachtsmen

Mudflats - the new deal will help conserve this scenic view

(Below right) Vibrant colours - this landscape will be safeguarded

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