Brownsea Island

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. However, Brownsea Island is closed. Landing of any boats, kayaks or canoes, or swimming ashore, is not permitted anywhere on the island.

Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting

More about this place

Family walking dogs

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

We're starting to open some gardens and parklands in England and Northern Ireland at reduced capacity, through advance bookings every week. Most places up to 8 June have sold out. New tickets are released every Friday and we'll continue to add new places over the coming weeks. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are now open. All houses remain closed for now and all places in Wales remain closed following Welsh Government advice. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.​

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Brownsea Island

Wildlife

Sika Deer grazing

Meet the woodland and heathland residents  

What makes Brownsea's habitats so special? Here we share an overview and unearth the wildlife that live in the woodland and heathland habitats.

A red squirrel on Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset

The rare red squirrel  

The island is home to over 200 rare red squirrels. Here we share a little more about these cheeky woodland characters and some top tips for spotting them when you next visit Brownsea Island.

Avocet

Bird watching on Brownsea 

The hides that overlook Brownsea's lagoon, lakes and reedbed provide the perfect perch to watch the spectacular comings and goings of many species of birds.

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Brownsea Island

Our work

nest box

Squirrel, bird and bat box project 

For over 20 years, the National Trust have been monitoring over 400 squirrel, bird and bat boxes on Brownsea Island. Here we lift the lid and find out what's been hiding inside...

Flowering heather against sky

Brownsea joins new 'super' National Nature Reserve  

The National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust has joined up with other landowners to create the largest lowland heath National Nature Reserve (NNR). Find out about how Brownsea is involved here.

conservation

Woodland management 

The island's environment is carefully managed and monitored by our countryside ranger team and here we explain why this is especially important for the woodland.

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Brownsea Island

History

Scouting and Guiding

The birthplace of Scouting and Guiding 

In 1907 Lord Baden-Powell held his first experimental camp on Brownsea Island, laying the foundations for the worldwide Scouting and Guiding movements.

Brownsea Island

Brownsea's historical timeline 

Brownsea has a remarkably varied history; from pirates to Edwardian society.

history

Characters that shaped Brownsea Island 

Meet characters from Brownsea's past.

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