Giant new nesting structures are being developed as part of a "first of its kind" project in Lowestoft.

Work is continuing off South Beach to construct two new artificial nesting structures for "vulnerable" seabirds.

With energy giant Ørsted preparing to build its Hornsea Three wind farm offshore of East Anglia, construction is under way for two new artificial nesting structures for black-legged kittiwakes in Lowestoft, with one in Minsmere.

Lowestoft Journal: Work to install the artificial nesting structure in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork to install the artificial nesting structure in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The works are being carried out as part of a compensation scheme associated with the Hornsea Three wind farm - which will comprise up to 231 offshore wind turbines about 120km off the Norfolk coast, as it is expected to be commissioned in 2027.

Once operational it is set to be the world's largest installed windfarm.

Lowestoft Journal: Work to install the artificial nesting structure in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesWork to install the artificial nesting structure in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Work has been ongoing this month "one kilometre from the shoreline of South Beach in Lowestoft", between the town's two piers, to construct the structures that eventually "will have about 500 nesting units" on each.

Lowestoft Journal: The new kittiwake nesting 'hotel' structures in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe new kittiwake nesting 'hotel' structures in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It comes after a unique new 'hotel' was unveiled in Lowestoft - for around 430 pairs of seabirds - as renewable developers Vattenfall and ScottishPower Renewables completed construction of kittiwake nesting structures in the port of Lowestoft.

Lowestoft Journal: The new kittiwake nesting 'hotel' structures in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe new kittiwake nesting 'hotel' structures in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Works to install the new artificial nesting structures off South Beach in Lowestoft are due to be completed by March 31.

On its website, Ørsted said: "This project is the first of its kind.

"Each structure will be purpose-built, bespoke and specific to the landscape characteristics of each location."

Lowestoft Journal: Concept design of the artificial nesting structures. Picture: OrstedConcept design of the artificial nesting structures. Picture: Orsted (Image: Orsted)

The innovative designs have been developed by a team of ornithologists, architects and engineers, and each structure will have about 500 nesting units.

The structures will have narrow ledges and vertical sides to mimic the cliffs on which the kittiwakes normally nest.

Lowestoft Journal: Kittiwakes nesting previously in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesKittiwakes nesting previously in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

It adds: "These nesting structures are needed to support this important and vulnerable species.

"There are eight sides to give kittiwake different options in case one side is too sunny or too windy.

"The nesting structures will be monitored every year" with the results to be shared with the Lowestoft Kittiwake Partnership.