A TWITCHERS' paradise has been created at a Brixham nature reserve.

The new bird hide in the Northern Fort at Berry Head is perfectly placed to provide spectacular sightings of marine birds including swallows, kittiwakes, shags, coromorants and nesting guillemots, whose chicks are due to jump from the cliffs into the sea below later this month.

Nigel Smallbones, Berry Head site manager, said: "The bird hide provides magnificent and spectacular views of the sea bird colony in a special atmosphere.

"It will help to raise awareness about the importance of the colony."

The public can visit the hide every day but are advised to bring their own binoculars.

The new facility is part of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust's heritage lottery-funded On the Edge project.

The hide consists of soft wood timbers and larch board with a plyboard and mineral felt roof and holds 12 visitors at a time.

It was built by Beehive Construction with the help of three Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust volunteers. Wheelchair access to the bird hide will be made available later this year, following the completion of pipe work to the new café, on which an access ramp will be built.

The trust is currently seeking a dedicated team of volunteers to man the bird hide with telescopes and binoculars.

Full training will be provided and anyone interested should phone Berry Head on 01803 882619.