The aim is to show the life which exists on the margin between land and sea

Two dozen species of bird will be on show at the Living Coasts complex in Torquay, which will also house fur seals and 40 black rats.

Most of the 400 birds, including sea ducks, terns, gulls and waders, will have the freedom of 1.8m cubic feet of free flight space.

It is being created in a giant aviary made from fisherman's net and 60-feet-high masts.

300,000 expected

Auks will have their own artificial rock cliff habitat, thought to be the only one in the world.

There will also be puffins and penguins which will swim in pools filled with sea water pumped from adjacent Torbay.

The aim is to show the plants, animals and habitats which exist on the margin between land and sea.

The complex will also be home to 40 black rats

British species including oak, mallow, wild cabbage and reed have been used to landscape the complex.

The creation of Living Coasts, a registered charity which is part of Paignton Zoo, has been helped by European aid and money from the Regional Development Agency.

It will open next month and expects to attract around 300,000 visitors a year.