THE anticipation is building at a north Cumbrian wildlife haven ahead of two new arrivals.

Volunteers helping to spruce up the garden at Watchtree Nature Reserve, near Carlisle, were surprised to discover a pair of oystercatcher eggs which had been laid in a plant pot.

The birds, which are found in coastal areas, are known for nesting and laying eggs on the ground. On some occasions, they may also lay their eggs in nests created by other birds, abandoning them to be raised by other species.

Their diet can also vary, depending on whether they live on the coast or further inland. Birds living near rivers and estuaries tend to eat gastropods and polychaete worms while the diet of those nesting close to sea can include limpets and mussels.

Birds found inland tend to eat insect larvae and earthworms.

“We were clearing out the elementary garden when we found the pair of eggs,” volunteer David Common told the News & Star. “They were just nesting on a plant pot, which we thought was quite unusual. We cordoned off the area because it's best that the birds are left to their own devices.

“I do know that they sometimes lay their eggs in unusual places but it was strange that they hadn't considered anywhere else.”

Oystercatchers are not uncommon across Cumbria and a pair also laid eggs at Watchtree two years ago. In 2014, eggs laid by a pair – named Olly and Olivia by youngsters - were discovered in the grounds of Brampton Primary School.

“We've cordoned the area to make sure that they're not disturbed,” added Ryan Dobson, access and recreation officer at Watchtree. “You can see them from afar but we don't want people getting too close. We'll be keeping an eye on them but we don't want to interfere.

“We've just been renovating that garden for the public but for the time being the public won't be able to visit it.”