There are more than sixty types of tree on Brownsea, most of them the product of deliberate planting.

The central valley contains native hardwoods, oak, beech, holly and ash. Introduced trees include sycamore, sweet and horse chestnut and conifers.

Resident birds
Typical resident birds are woodpeckers, magpies, jays, woodcocks, wood warblers and treecreepers. Peacocks and pheasants can also be found.

At night tawny owls hunt for small mammals such as woodmice.

Woodland plants
In spite of grazing by deer and rabbit, some woodland plants survive. Look out for the scarce birds nest orchid and butchers broom.

Through active woodland management; rhododendron clearance, fencing, coppicing and replanting, the woodland is being regenerated.

Fungi
There are many varieties of fungi to be found in the Brownsea Woodlands. Many of the colourful species are illustrated in the presentation of Brownsea fungi on the Dorset Wildlife Trust website.