EXPERTS say the number of protected birds has soared on an island near Maldon after overhead power lines were removed.

There are now a record number of two protected species of wetland birds on Northey Island near Maldon.

In the last 50 years, there has been a decline of 38 million birds in the UK skies.

But there have been 1,710 dark-bellied Brent geese reported on Northey, which is the highest number recorded since 2015.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Empty field: the area where the poles have been removedEmpty field: the area where the poles have been removed (Image: National Trust Justin Minns)

There has also been a total of 3,875 dunlins recorded which is the highest number ever recorded.

Volunteer Chris Tyas. of the British Trust for Ornithology Wetland Bird Survey, carried out the bird counts.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Geese flock: Brent geese at Northey IslandGeese flock: Brent geese at Northey Island (Image: National Trust Justin Minns)

He has been carrying out bird surveys at Northey Island for more than 23 years and said: “Counting the birds on Northey Island is never easy, given the size and complexity of the saltmarsh areas, but it is a privilege as well as a challenge.

“Doing the surveys on the island are the highlight of my birding month and they’re never the same twice. I’ve had many highlights over the years, but the recent recording breaking numbers is a standout moment.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: New pond: pond created on Northey IslandNew pond: pond created on Northey Island (Image: National Trust Justin Minns)

The team has also seen an increase in the number of other bird species, including curlews, avocets and lapwings.

The electricity poles on the island were removed and cables were put underground in preparation for realignment works on the island.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Birds increasing: a large number of birds at Northey IslandBirds increasing: a large number of birds at Northey Island (Image: National Trust Justin Minns)

Exprtss believe the removal of the poles is the reason for the increase in bird numbers.

David Mason, ranger for the National Trust at Northey Island, said: “The increase in numbers is likely due to the re-routing of overhead power lines underground and the removal of poles.

“Prior to this project, the geese avoided the entirety of one field containing powerlines as well as the majority of a second, and now that they have been removed the geese have been using all the fields on the island along with the saltmarsh areas.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Protected bird: Curlew on the mudflats in Northey IslandProtected bird: Curlew on the mudflats in Northey Island (Image: National Trust Justin Minns)

“Additionally, a number of the telegraph poles will remain on the island, cut to a low level and with nesting boxes placed on top, which will provide a safe place for birds like oystercatchers to nest away from ground predators.”