Indexes

Brownsea Island

nr Poole, Dorset

Location Guide

It is the largest of five islands in Poole harbour being 1.5 miles long by .75 miles wide, it comprises of a Scots and Maritime Pine woodland, two large acid (freshwater) lakes, alder & sallow carr, freshwater reedbed and a 28 ha. saline lagoon, saltmarsh, deciduous woodland and arboretum, a Henronry, an Open Air Theatre and a castle. You can enjoy walks and spectacular views of Poole Harbour, Studland, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills. It is a haven for wildlife, including red squirrels, peacocks and deer.

The Dorset Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve

Is a  96.8 hectare reserve occupying the northern half of the island and is leased by the Dorset Wildlife Trust from the National Trust who own the island and manage the southern half. It is a site of Special Scientific Interest, and included in the Poole Harbour Ramsar Site and Special Protection Area.

Within this area is the non-tidal Salt Water Lagoon, which is home to cormorants, oystercathcers, blacked backed and black headed gulls, shulduck, mallard and Canada Geese all year round. Grey Herons and Little Egrets from the Heronry also roost and feed on it. Access is limited to certain times, but the area can be viewed from the public hide by the main path leading from the quay.

Access to the Nature Reserve - July and August one guided tour daily from 2pm to 3.45pm, March-June and Sept-October the reserve is a self-guided nature trail, where you collect a trail guide leaflet from the box on site. The reserve also has small charges for entry.

The Boardwalk leading to the reedbed in the
Nature Reserve Hugh Venables

Meadow in Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve
Hugh Venables

Red Squirrels, almost extinct in southern England, they are an important part of Brownsea Island where there are no competing Grey Squirrels. They are mostly active in spring and autumn around sunrise and sunset, when of course visitors are not on the island. This island has a population of  around 200-250. They can be found in all the wooded areas of the island, however they are shy and can be difficult to spot, particularly in hot summer months when they will be resting.

As well as it's population of Red Squirrels which are the highlight of the island it also has peacocks, Sikka deer which you are more than likely to see. There are also many wildlife visitors to the islands each year. The following is a typical guide to what might be seen on a visit.

Red Squirrel on Brownsea
   lee adcock

• Red squirrels can be easy to see before the leaves of deciduous trees have developed

• Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits and other waders are still present before they leave to nest elsewhere

• Common and Sandwich Terns and Black-headed Gulls begin to pair up and display

• First Mallard ducklings appear

• The Brimstone butterfly is on the wing on warm and sunny days.

• Wader migration will evident on the lagoon with Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers possible
• Red Squirrels can be difficult to see, especially on busy and hot days
• Day-flying Cinnabar and Six-spot Burnet moths are on the wing

• Terns and Gulls begin to nest on the lagoon.
• Reed Warblers and Water Rails are in the reedbed.
• The Downy Emerald dragonfly (scarce nationally) is on the wing on warm and sunny days.

• Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits will be present in good numbers especially at high tide
• Red Squirrels can be easy to see as they forage on the ground for fallen nuts, berries and fruits
• Late dragonflies like the Migrant Hawker could be seen
• Many types of fungi on the woodland floor

• Common and Sandwich Terns and Black-headed Gulls, feeding chicks on the lagoon.
• Up to 10 species of dragonfly and damselfly on warm and sunny days
• Common Spotted and Marsh Orchids should be flowering in damp areas around the lagoon and reedbed
• Butterflies include White Admirals, Purple Hairstreaks and many others

Saltwater Lagoon
  Peter Land

Brownsea Castle is NOT open to the public.

Brownsea can only be reached by ferries from Poole Quay, Sandbanks Jetty, Bournemouth Pier and Swanage Pier from March to October. The ferries are privately owned and the ferry operators have their own charges.

Brownsea Island Ferry
  Hyougushi

St Mary's Church
Hyougushi

West Lake, Brownsea Island
Peter Land

The Heath
  Godlesswanderer

Branksea/Brownsea Castle
William Kemp

Brownsea Castle
Ms Jackson

Brownsea Beach
Matt

Planning Grid

Location:	Brownsea Island, nr Poole, Dorset
Grid Reference:	SZ032878
Getting there:	Can only be reached by ferries from Poole Quay, Sandbanks Jetty, Bournemouth Pier and Swanage. Boats run half-hourly from 10am
Access:	Enter the reserve along the boardwalk which starts next to the public bird hide
Parking:	Poole Quay & Sandbanks
Facilities:	6 bird hides, boardwalks, shop, exhibition, Toilets at Brownsea Quay & in The Villa, National Trust Café
Things To Do, See and Photograph:	Red Squirrels, Sikka deer, birds of all types, flowers, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, landscape and sea views, walks
What to take:	Binoculars, long lenses, polarizer,
Nature highlights:	Red Squirrels, dragonflies, all sorts of water birds, castle, lakes and more
Address:	Brownsea Island Poole Dorset
Postcode:	BH13 7EE
Telephone:	01202 707744
Opening times:	March to October (exact dates alter each year)
Charges:	Adults: £4.90; Child: £2.40; Family: £12.20
Photo Restrictions:	No commercial photography without permission
Other Restrictions:
Special Needs Access:	Good, tracks are rough in places. Most of the trail and three bird hides are accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchairs and disabled visitors can be easily accommodated on the ferry boats.
Special Needs Facilities:	Toilets at the quay and visitor centre. Map of accessible route for wheelchair users.
Children Facilities:	Baby changing facilities, pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted. Childrens guide book, quiz/trail, family activity packs, all terrain baby buggies for loan
Dogs Allowed:	No Dogs

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