Barley has been planted in the reserve to attract rare birds

The 30-acre Drakes Meadow reserve next to Mincinglake Valley Park, has views over the city to Woodbury, Haldon and across the Exe estuary.

It has been acquired by Exeter City Council on a long term lease from a local farmer.

Part of the land has been planted with spring-sown barley to attract the rare cirl bunting and other seed eating farmland birds.

New Devon hedge banks have been created and barn owl nests put in.

People will be able to walk through woodland and wildflower meadows or just sit and enjoy the views.