A NEW facility enabling countryside lovers to see a spectacular array of birds and wildlife will be opened by television personality Bill Oddie on Thursday.
Far Pasture Pond Hide, part of the Derwent Walk Country Park, aims to offer the perfect location for spotting a variety of birds, including kingfishers and osprey, and animals such as otters.
The design, by Gateshead Borough Council architects, used ideas from students at Newcastle College. It includes improved disabled access.
Councillor Mick Henry, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, said: "Not many people realise that they can see such fantastic wildlife here in Gateshead."
The hide is open for use all year. To gain access a key must be bought from Thornley Woodlands Centre at £2, which also enables access to other hides
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