Rutland Osprey Project's appeal to upgrade the webcam system streaming live footage of the Manton Bay nest has almost hit the halfway mark.

The appeal is raising £15,000 to buy new equipment and improve the reliability, streaming quality and speed of the current system, to minimise interruptions, enhance viewer experience and future-proof the webcams.

The Rutland Water osprey project is run by Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

A spokesman said: "A huge thank you to everyone who has kindly donated, we have already raised an incredible £7,264.

"Being able to watch these fascinating birds in such detail is a privilege and inspires new audiences and the next generation of conservationists.

"For many years, our webcams have provided thousands of people a unique insight into the lives of a very special pair of breeding ospreys.

"The cameras on the Manton Bay nest have captured some spectacular footage, allowing everyone watching to witness and record exciting events in the calendar of breeding ospreys - from the moment the adults return all the way through to the fledging of the chicks.

"This year in particular, the cameras have brought solace to many stuck at home during the Covid-19 lockdown, bringing nature into people's homes at a time when we needed it most.

"We have been lucky to be able to watch this season as Maya and 33(11) have been busy raising an amazing four chicks, oblivious to what is going on in our world.

"Thanks to the live streaming webcams, we have not missed a key moment.

"Improvements to the camera system and associated equipment would allow people all over the world to be able to continue to experience these amazing birds of prey up close.

"We will be able to show clearer images of the ospreys in high definition, without interruption at crucial points during the ospreys breeding season."

As well as being able to watch the birds up close, the cameras have other benefits.

These include data on the breeding pair's behaviour being used to help osprey conservation and protection, live streams and recorded footage used by the Osprey Education team to educate the next generation of conservationists and webcam monitoring providing volunteering opportunities for the local community

Maya and her family have now started their migration.