Work to protect valuable heathland wildlife is starting at a former nuclear bunker in East Sussex.

Sussex Police's training facility at Kingstanding, near Crowborough, has been designated a European Special Area of Conservation.

The force is now obliged to maintain the site, formerly a military establishment, for wildlife.

Steve Wheatley, who is involved with the conservation project, said: "Work over the next three years will involve reintroducing grazing animals and the existing high fencing will help enormously.

"Initially we plan to use cattle but later it may prove more appropriate to use ponies or even feral goats.

"Work is also required to remove trees and gorse encroaching on the heathland, open up areas and create bare ground, which is an essential heathland component for some species."

Controlled burning will take place on the 60-acre site in order to promote the growth of heather.

The project will be funded by English Nature and the Weald Heathland Initiative.