TWITCHERS from across the UK have been flocking to Notts for a glimpse of a rare bird of prey.

The rough-legged buzzard has set up home at Gedling Pit Top after taking a detour while flying south for the winter.

Bird-watchers say the species has been spotted in Notts only twice before in the past 50 years.

Mark Glover, chairman of Gedling Conservation Trust, said the bird's arrival had generated great excitement since it was spotted on December 10.

He said: "The rough-legged buzzard is a winter visitor to the UK from Scandinavia. Some years, very few of them are spotted in the whole country.

"To find such a rare bird in this area is very significant. They would normally go due south for the winter but, for whatever reason, it has taken a detour to Gedling pit."

The former colliery site, off Spring Lane, is owned by UK Coal but the trust, Gedling Borough Council and local MP Vernon Coaker have called for it to be designated a nature reserve.

Mr Glover, 58, who is also a borough councillor for Carlton, said the sighting of the rough-legged buzzard could add weight the campaign. "I think it's highly significant," he said.

"The area at the pit top site is quite a remarkable area for birds.

"It's a real gem of a site and the sooner it's given greater protection, the better."

Mr Coaker said: "Gedling Borough Council, with others, are doing all they can to make this site a country park and the fact that this bird is there is another example of this wildlife jewel in the crown on our doorstep."