A MASSIVE container terminal at Dibden Bay could contribute to a sharp decline in the number of lapwings, a public inquiry was told.

Bird lovers say the lapwing is among the species that will be displaced if Associated British Ports (ABP) is given permission for the terminal.

Lapwings are popular with farmers because they often feed on crop-eating insects.

At the inquiry, Philip Colebourn, giving evidence on behalf of ABP, was cross-examined by David Elvin from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Mr Elvin accused ABP of failing to provide proper compensatory habitat for lapwings, which have already declined by 49 per cent in England and Wales.

About 46 per cent of the decline has taken place in the south east, he said.

Mr Colebourn said ABP was providing as much lapwing habitat as possible, given the shortage of land that was available to the company.

Mr Elvin retorted: "That is a very carefully answered question. It does not mean you are providing substitute habitat."

The quality of the existing mudflats was also examined at the inquiry.

Mr Elvin said: "The Dibden foreshore is of particular value because it is available for such a lengthy period at low tide, providing extensive and reliable areas for feeding.

"It is exposed - at least in part - on 28 days each month."

But Mr Colebourn said he would have thought that "virtually any" foreshore in the UK would be exposed for a similar length of time.

Earlier the inquiry heard claims that the loss of mudflats at Dibden Bay would lead to increased competition among birds searching for food.