A senior conservation watchdog has backed returning a Sussex beauty spot to nature.

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board has joined the project to restore the Cuckmere estuary to mudflats, salt marsh and meadows.

Others already signed up include the National Trust and English Nature.

Critics claim removing flood defences below Exceat would spoil the popular estuary and could jeopardise tourism.

Phil Belden, the board's countryside manager, said: "With salt marshes in rapid decline in the UK, this is a vital project.

"The board unanimously agreed to join and is very enthusiastic about helping to find an overall solution that reduces the burden on the public purse and restores the estuary to a species-rich habitat."

The Environment Agency is expected to apply this year for permission to remove flood defences.

It says it would be too costly to replace the defences, which would quickly be made redundant by rising sea levels associated with global warming.

The estuary is a site of special scientific interest, designated heritage coast and part of the Sussex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.