Most of the rainfall on Brownsea gathers in two freshwater lakes which were the result of peat digging activities.
The lakes are located at the top end of the wet central valley which also includes an alder carr, reedbed and saline lagoon.
Birds in and around the reedbed
The reedbed supports a number of special birds including Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting and Water Rail.
Water Rails are rarely seen as they are very shy but their distinctive 'pig-squealing' call can often be heard.
Tufted Ducks, Little Grebes and Coots nest on the lakes each year, and Grey Herons and Little Egrets roost around the lake edges.
The Hobby, a small falcon, which is a summer migrant from Africa, occasionally hunts after dragonflies over the lake on warm summer days.
Water Voles
Patient visitors may glimpse the shy Water Vole swimming across the channel in front of the reedbed hide.
Dragonflies and damselflies
Due to high acidity the lakes support few fish, but dragonflies abound.
Some twenty four species of dragonflies have been recorded including the Common Blue Damselfly, Small Red Damselfly, Four Spotted Chaser, Ruddy Darter, Southern Hawker and Downy Emerald.
Wildflowers
Brownsea is not well known for its wildflowers; however, Ragged Robin, Lady's Smock, Marsh Cinquefoil and Southern Marsh and Common Spotted Orchids can all be seen in marshy areas in the central valley.
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