PLANS for a new wildlife habitat in Poole Harbour have been unveiled.

The scheme, proposed by the Environment Agency in partnership with the RSPB and Natural England, would transform 150 hectares of wetland at Arne Moors into a diverse inter-tidal habitat.

Officers behind the plans say they are necessary to compensate for the loss of similar environments around the harbour due to rising sea levels.

As part of the initiative, the flow of the River Frome would be changed at the estuary to stop fresh water from getting into the salt water area.

Important freshwater habitat and the Arne Road will continue to be protected from flooding as part of the scheme.

Members of the public attended a drop-in event in Wareham earlier this week to give their views.

Visitors heard that the work will protect birds including Redshank wading birds, avocets, common terns and sandwich terns.