A team of birdwatchers is guarding the falcons

A webcam showing pictures of a pair of peregrine falcons nesting in a South West quarry is due to go live on Tuesday.

A 24-hour guard has been mounted to keep watch on the rare birds of prey at Plymbridge Woods in Plymouth, Devon.

Peregrine falcons have reared six chicks at their nest site in Cann Quarry over the past two years.

They are back again. Three or four eggs are believed to be in the nest - and people will also be able to monitor their progress over the internet.

Dedicated team

In past years, peregrines there have been poisoned.

The police believe rogue pigeon fanciers were responsible because peregrines often eat pigeons.

To protect the birds, the National Trust, in conjunction with RSPB, has again organised a 24-hour monitoring scheme in the woods.

A team of dedicated bird watchers from across the area is manning a viaduct overlooking the quarry with telescopes and binoculars, ensuring that the birds come to no harm.

Falcons in the quarry have previously been poisoned

National Trust Warden Gus Ferguson said: "We have a large group of people who are all rooting for the birds and are willing to put their time in to make sure they breed successfully."

Passers-by can also view the birds through telescopes and an information centre has been set up.

But this year, for the first time, people can also keep an eye on the peregrines via the internet.

A webcam to show live pictures of the birds and their eggs is due to start streaming at midday.