NATURE enthusiasts can now take a tour of some of Dorset’s most spectacular landscapes – all without leaving the comfort of their armchair.

Some of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves are now available on Google Maps Street View, allowing people to take a 360-degree tour online.

Earlier in the year DWT was loaned a Google Street View Trekker camera for capturing imagery at our nature reserves and centres.

The charity said the project is designed to allow people who can’t visit the nature reserves themselves to take a good look around the landscapes.

But it could also be used to help those who are planning a visit.

Among the nature reserves available to view online is Powerstock Common in West Dorset.

Staff and volunteers walked miles using the 360-degree street trekker back pack, to capture the experience of walking around some of DWT’s most iconic nature reserves in Dorset.

Dorset Wildlife Trust marketing and fundraising director, Alastair Cook, said: “Google Street View is a fantastic way for everyone to experience our nature reserves and enjoy the landscapes and wildlife DWT is working hard to protect in Dorset. It’s ideal for people who aren’t able to visit our nature reserves in person, but it also gives those planning their visit an idea of what to expect.

“We’re very grateful to Google for giving us the opportunity to capture our reserves in this way.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust will also be using this imagery to enhance its new website, which will be launched in March 2019.

The DWT nature reserves available on Google Street View are: Lorton Meadows nature reserve, Brownsea Island nature reserve, Tadnoll nature reserve, Powerstock Common nature reserve, Fontmell nature reserve, Kingcombe Meadows nature reserve and Centre, and Upton Heath nature reserve.

Visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves