A CONSERVATION charity has lost the fight to protect West Thurrock Marshes.

Buglife has been battling Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation for three years over plans to build a huge distribution warehouse and lorry park on the marshes.

The charity argues that by allowing development on the site the corporation is failing in its legal duty to protect the wildlife on it.

But this view was not supported at either the High Court or the Court of Appeal.

The charity was preparing to take the fight to the House of Lords next, but has been dealt another blow after three law lords threw out the appeal application. The marshes are home to more than 1,300 species of invertebrates, birds and reptiles, including 17 priority conservation species.

Royal Mail had planned to build a distribution centre there, but pulled out in April 2008. It is unclear if any other firms have plans for the site.

The campaign to save the marshes has seen Buglife shortlisted for an award in the Conservation category at the Observer Ethical Awards.

The campaign was judged by a celebrity panel that included Jo Wood, Rick Edwards and Ken Livingstone. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday June 3.