The falcons were thought to have produced three or four eggs

The birds had produced three or four eggs and volunteers taking it in turns to ensure the nest is left alone have reported seeing at least two chicks.

Falcons have nested at the site at Cann Quarry in Plymbridge Woods on the edge of Plymouth for several years.

But now more volunteers are being called for to ensure that falcons can raise their chicks undisturbed.

It was very exciting when we saw the female receiving prey and feeding it to two chicks Andy Greaney, National Trust

News of the chicks has delighted local residents and the team of volunteers protecting birds.

Andy Greaney, peregrine warden for the National Trust who manages the woods said: "We suspected that the chicks had hatched last week.

"There was a lot of movement and the male bird was seen bringing food to the nest. However, it was not until last Monday that we spotted a chick's head.

"It was very exciting when, on Tuesday, we saw the female receiving prey and feeding it to two chicks."

"But even though this is good news, we need to keep up our 24-hour vigil of the nest site as the birds are still vulnerable to malicious attempts to harm them.

Hundreds of enthusiasts have visited the area and helped to guard the nest over the past couple of years.

Falcon webcam

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

A partnership between the National Trust, RSPB and Plymouth College of Further Education was created and a team of volunteers set up to protect the site and the birds 24-hours a day.

RSPB volunteer officer Juliet Cock said: "Last year, we reckon that nearly 18,000 people came to visit the site.

"This year we've already had over 6,000 since the birds started nesting."

A special "peregrine platform" is open every day on the Cann Quarry viaduct in Plymbridge Woods from mid-morning until early evening until the end of July for bird watchers who wish to see if any more of the eggs will hatch.

The falcons can also be observed by webcam.