Work at the site attracted the attention of Sir David Attenborough

A �15,000 bird watching hide has opened at the Potteric Carr nature reserve in Doncaster, offering a vantage point for more than 200 species of birds.

Farmland next to the reserve is being transformed through the establishment of reed beds, streams and lakes.

Organisers hope to create a breeding ground for rare birds such as the marsh harrier, bittern and bearded reedling.

Reserve interest

Rob Oates, of wildlife charity WWF, said: "The opening of the Hawthorne hide is an important landmark in the wetland extension at Potteric Carr.

"It will provide a magnificent viewing platform for observing wetland wildlife species."

Potteric Carr is a 320-hectare area of low-lying wetland about two miles outside of Doncaster.

Work to transform the 75-hectares of agricultural land began a decade ago and attracted high-profile interest from Sir David Attenborough.