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As well as red squirrels, there is plenty of wildlife to see all year round and things change with the seasons. Take a walk through the woodland or down to the lagoon, and don’t forget your binoculars.
The island is a hive of activity in spring, with a changeover in visitors on the lagoon, we say goodbye to species that have overwintered here and we welcome those who will stay for the summer to nest and raise their young. Early butterflies are on the wing and red squirrels are active feeding their young.
Look out for common and Sandwich terns who nest on the specially-created gravel islands. A pair of avocet succesfully bred here in 2023 and there are several species of widlfowl on view, including teal and shelduck. Over 20,000 birds visit Poole Harbour each year to feed and roost. Brownsea Island is managed in partnership with Dorset Wildlife Trust who look after the northern part of the island, including the lagoon and surrounding wetland areas.
The various hides clustered around the edge of the lagoon offer a great perch to watch all the comings and goings of the various bird life.
Out on the heathland, the well camouflaged, nocturnal nightjar returns from Africa. Any visitors staying overnight may be lucky enough to spot them flying at dusk. On warmer days lizards can often be seen basking in the sunshine.
The woodlands and reedbeds fill with bird song in the spring, including newly arrived warblers, such as the willow warbler. This species looks very similar to a chiffchaff, but has a completely different song. Join us on one our early morning bird walks to learn more about the variety of birdlife that make Brownsea their home.
Brimstone butterflies emerge from winter hibernation on warm spring days, look out for a flash of yellow in amongst the wet woodlands and along the tracks that criss-cross the island. The word 'butterfly' is thought to originate from the yellow colour of male brimstones.
The Dorset Wildlife Trust manage the lagoon and wetland areas and there is a suggested donation of £2 to enter this part of the island, which includes access to hides and admission to the Villa Wildlife Centre which has an exhibition, gift shop, toilets and a feeding station for red squirrels.
Live webcams installed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Birds of Poole Harbour offer the chance to watch the comings and goings live. Catch up with all the action here.
Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.
Discover how a team from the National Trust support the woodland residents on Brownsea Island, Dorset.
We’ve joined with the Dorset Wildlife Trust and other landowners, to create the largest lowland heath National Nature Reserve for a more joined-up approach to nature conservation.
In this article you'll find all you need to know to plan your visit to Brownsea, including how to get here by ferry.