AN EXCITING 19th Century discovery has been unearthed at Berry Head nature reserve as the first turf is cut at the start of the £1.8million rejuvenation project.

A digger is on the Brixham site working alongside a team from Exeter Archaeology and volunteers from the port's museum who are carrying out archaeological survey work at the rear of the Guardhouse.

A small dig by hand in December unearthed the remains of a Napoleonic era building in the area, which old maps suggest may have been a hospital.

Nigel Smallbones, manager of the nature reserve, said: "This is a very exciting week for the project team with the first sod being cut.

"However, we are very aware of the fact the Berry Head forts are Scheduled Ancient Monuments so the digger is working on site under the strict control of the archaeologists to ensure that the underlying buildings are not damaged."

The latest discovery is the corner outline of the hospital and a cobbled path surrounding the building, which dates back to the 1800s.

A drainage culvert leaves the building and appears to connect to the tunnel systems below this area.

An outline of a further unknown wall has also been discovered.

During the regeneration project, the existing cafe will be converted into a new visitor centre, with an extension for a new cafe.

If these remains extend into the proposed building area, then the foundation design will be altered to protect the site.

The Berry Head On the Edge project is a three-year programme designed to rejuvenate the reserve's heritage and the way people experience it.

The project has been funded through an £850,500 Heritage Lottery grant, a £680,000 grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and in-kind and volunteer support.