The RSPB is using cutting-edge technology to show birds of prey in their nests as they breed, hatch eggs, feed chicks and teach young how to fly.

First up is a pair of goshawks, whose journey through the breeding season will be beamed live into the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst and broadcast here.

The project is run by the RSPB, the New Forest National Park Authority, the Forestry Commission and Carnyx Wild. A pair of New Forest hobbies, which breed later in the season, will also take their turn under the raptorcam spotlight.

A Date With Nature in the New Forest runs until September 25, 10am-4.30pm. Entry to the Reptile Centre is free although donations for parking are welcome.

Did you know?

Facts about goshawks

Known as ‘the phantoms of the forest’, only 500 breeding pairs of goshawks exist in UK, including around 12 pairs resident to the New Forest.

Because of persecution and a reduction in forests, goshawks became extinct as a breeding species in Britain at the end of the 1800s.

Male is grey-brown with a striped tail and underparts. Has close-set yellow eyes and a white ‘eyebrow’, creating a fierce expression.

Goshawks have a deep, powerful flight. When soaring, the wings are held flat with three or four feathers visible at the wing-tip.

Performs a distinctive rising and falling sky-dance. When hunting, goshawks are remarkably agile and can weave through trees.

Lives and nests in large mature woods and forests. Also hunts in open countryside.