Germany is turning old military bases into bird sanctuaries

The German government have agreed to transform old military bases into nature reserves for rare and endangered birds.

The overhaul will see more than 60 abandoned military bases turn from eyesores into lush, green sanctuaries with numerous environmental benefits.

According to France 24, German environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said an ongoing overhaul of the German armed forces had made it possible to set aside more than 31,000 hectares (76,600 acres) of forests, marshes, meadows and moors.

The sites for re-development are predominantly in the area of the former West Germany. and will predominantly serve as bioreserves, which aims to provide crucial habitats for threatened species including birds and insects.