LAPWINGS have settled at a nature reserve on the outskirts of Portishead after the flattening of a mountainous island.

In December, a 21 tonne spider-legged monster flattened an island in the lagoon at the Portbury Wharf at Sheepway, in an attempt to attract breeding lapwings to the reserve.

Members of Avon Wildlife Trust, who manage the site, said the island’s steep sides were discouraging wading birds.

Since the changes were made to the island a few weeks ago more than 38 lapwings have been sighted.

Warden Bernie D’Arcy says she hopes the birds will stay at Portbury Wharf and nest in their luxurious new home.

Creating the 100-acre Portbury Wharf nature reserve behind the sea wall was a condition of planning approval set by North Somerset Council for the building of 2,500 properties by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley in 2000.

People buying homes at Portbury Wharf each pledge to pay �60 a year for the maintenance and management of the nature reserve.

Avon Wildlife Trust uses its share of the fees to employ a nature warden, create better habitats for wildlife, put in viewing points and run nature events for the public.

Home-buyers involved in the scheme are given free lifetime membership of Avon Wildlife Trust.