The last building on the Wadden Sea island of Rottumeroog is being removed this week as the island continues its return to the sea.

The bird watchers’ hut is inhabited in the summer months. However, last December’s storm damaged the dunes protecting the house from the sea and it could be washed away at any moment, Nos television says.

The island was permanently lived on by a warden until 1965, and then in the 1990s the government stopped strengthening its coastline.

‘Rottumeroog is gradually changing into a sandbank with young dunes,’ said Jorein Bakker of the forestry commission. ‘It is not a problem for nature but it is a pity for people who are attached to this Groningen island.’

The island hit the headlines last year when the only track on the island was given an official name. The local council which covers Rottumeroog said this was compulsory because of the single building, which needs an official address.