The falcons have produced three or four eggs

The birds have produced three or four eggs and the volunteers are taking it in turns to ensure the nest is undisturbed.

Plymouth College of Further Education students are also setting up a website to show live pictures of the birds.

The project follows the success of an experiment last year.

New batch

For several years peregrine falcons have nested at the site at Cann Quarry in Plymbridge Woods on the edge of Plymouth.

Last year hundreds of enthusiasts visited the area and also helped to guard the nest.

That is because in previous years falcons had been poisoned, possibly by pigeon fanciers, as the birds are often the prey of peregrines.

The new batch of eggs from the falcons are due to hatch next month.

An experiment to monitor them on the internet using a solar-powered web cam is being repeated so web surfers can watch as the chicks hatch.