WILDLIFE enthusiasts can now enjoy excellent views of Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve from a new vantage point which overlooks the River Meon and its adjoining marshes.
The wooden hide, which has shelter and seating, allows visitors to observe the many visiting birds.
It replaces the original Suffern Hide, named after Dr Canning Suffern, the naturalist who first recognised the importance of the site as a sanctuary for wildlife in 1921.
An opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, followed by a chance for guests to try out the new hide for themselves.
A £1,500 donation towards its construction was made by the family of Les Oakley, a man who helped build the original Suffern Hide and spent many happy hours at Titchfield Haven before his death in 2003.
A further £1,500 was donated by the Gilkicker Point Bird Group, a regular supporter of Titchfield Haven.
The hide was built by members of Hampshire County Council's countryside service and is the first in a programme to replace four hides which were built in the mid-1970s, when the reserve opened.
Recreation and heritage chief Councillor Margaret Snaith said: "This new hide provides a first-class facility for all visitors and we hope that people will come along to make the most of it and enjoy the abundance of wildlife over the summer months."
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