A NEW lookout has been fitted with a live camera so people can view wildlife of Poole Harbour during the lockdown.

Work recently finished on the construction the lookout at Middlebere Channel, RSPB Arne nature reserve.

However, due to current Covid restrictions members of the public are unable to access it.

So the RSPB decided to fit it with a hi-tech live camera, with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, which is now live streaming.

Beverley Lagden, Hyde’s Heath project officer, said: “Log-on and enjoy the live spectacles nature has to offer.

"The camera is great, we are already live streaming wonderful views of avocets and black-tailed godwits.

"These are just some of the birds that make Middlebere so special, and thanks to the camera, it is now available to all."

The camera is fixed to the roof of the lookout and provides a bird’s eye view across the channel towards the Purbeck hills.

In the future, the camera will provide a live stream to the visitor centre and shop at Arne when they fully reopen.

In the meantime, it will be streamed to the RSPB Arne webpage.

Between 7-9am the camera will be facing east to catch the sunrise.

Beverley said: "The installation was not without its challenges.

"We had to work out how to get power to the camera over a one kilometre distance, as well as work out how to protect the cable from nibbling mammals to name just a couple, but we believe the new accessibility to amazing views makes it all worth it.

"Studies suggest that time in nature, even just looking at nature, can alleviate stress and promote wellbeing – goodness knows we all need a dose of nature right now.

"The past year has shown us how important Arne and nature is to so many and while we are in uncertain times, with many people isolating or limiting travel, we are delighted to bring a bit of RSPB Arne to you.”

Where possible, a member of the RSPB will guide the camera on the lookout for when the tide rises and falls to zoom in on interesting sights.

In the winter there is the opportunity to spot a variety of wading birds fishing in the shallows or catching critters in the mud.

The camera will move across the channel, settling in the west to catch the sunset.

Visit https://www.rspb.org.uk/arne-live-web-cams  to watch the Middlebere Channel livestream.