Lyndon Nature Reserve at Rutland Water has extended its open season to the end of October

A nature reserve has extended its open season by six weeks to allow more people to enjoy the great outdoors.

Lyndon Nature Reserve at Rutland Water would normally close to visitors in mid-September after the ospreys fly the nest.

This year the visitor centre will remain open until at least the end of October, allowing the team to welcome more people and host events during the school half term holiday.

Information officer Abi Mustard said: "There's still plenty of wildlife to see during the autumn, so we want to make the most of the centre.

"We see huge numbers of wildfowl at this time of year."

Great northern divers, tufted ducks and widgeons are among some of the species visitors can expect to see during the next few weeks.

The bird hides will remain open but numbers are restricted to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Abi said the extended opening season will help to recoup some of the money lost during lockdown.

The closure saw many more people than normal tune in online to watch videos of the ospreys.

The birds became so popular that the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has launched a £15,000 appeal to upgrade the web camera ahead of next year's breeding season.

The Lyndon centre is now open daily from 10am until 3pm.

Admission is £6 for adults, £5 concessions and £3.50 for children.