VISITORS will be able to look out at some of East Lancashire’s wildlife with the opening of a state-of-the-art bird hide.

The Lookout, at Brockholes Nature Reserve, is a classroom-sized building with huge windows overlooking the main lake at the Lancashire Wildlife Trust reserve.

It was built as an all-weather hide catering for everyone from adult nature lovers to children and was officially opened on Friday.

Shutters rise giving excellent views of regular visiting wildlife and less common birds, mammals and insects.

Reserve officer Duncan Goulder said: “The low lying islands that you can see through the windows are perfect for wading birds.

“Several species that have undergone huge declines nationally have found a home here.

“Lapwing, redshank, ringed plover, little ringed plover, oystercatcher and common sandpiper all breed here.

“Today we can see gadwall and tufted duck and a sparrowhawk just flew over.

“The Lookout is sheltered from the elements and this makes it a fantastic space for people who would not normally visit a nature reserve, as well as our regular visitors.”

Education manager Tim Burrows said: “This has been a Godsend for myself and education. We have had brilliant responses from all the children from year one to year six.

“The Lookout takes children away from the main Visitor Village and gives them their own space.”

Lancashire Environmental Fund manager Andy Rowett said: “The chance to support a development that encourages learning and simply enjoying the nature reserve in a comfortable family friendly bird hide was too good an opportunity not to be involved with.”

A spokesman for the reserve added: “We would like to thank the Lancashire Environmental Fund for their support in funding the development of the Lookout and also the Friends of Brockholes for their continued support in fundraising for the finishing touches.

“If you would like to help, please get in touch with Debbie Edwards at dedwards@lancswt.org.uk.”

The Lookout is open from 10am to 4pm in summer and10am to 3pm in winter.