Brownsea Island

Leap, soar and scramble like a red squirrel or build a den at the natural play area. Explore the island with our free trails and cross some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges off your list. We've plenty of things to help you explore Brownsea and have your own island adventure.

Whether you're a family of nature explorers, a first-time red squirrel detective or avid birdwatcher, there's lots to encounter on Brownsea in spring and summer. See our top tips for spotting our resident red squirrels and exploring the best of Brownsea's wildlife and the places it calls home.

Here we introduce you to some ways to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embrace nature. With our new Calming Cambridge Woods Walk or autumnal self led trail, we're sure you'll be able to enjoy a moment of mindfulness at this quieter time of year.

The Villano Café is open and is serving a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Sit back, relax and take in the harbour sights and sounds as you fuel up for your island adventure.

Situated in an incredible position on the unique Brownsea Island, just three metres from the water’s edge, our holiday cottages offer a slice of tranquillity in the picturesque Poole Harbour.

Brownsea Island Outdoor Centre is located near the site where Lord Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp in 1907. The campsite is open from April to the end of September and there are plenty of ways for you to spend a night under the stars.

Perfect for family, friend and team building groups, this Victorian conversion provides bunk bed accommodation for up to 24 people. Set on the South Shore, the Lodge has its own garden and beach access and is a stone's throw away from the Outdoor Centre.

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

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.

The Brownsea Island lagoon plays a vital role in providing a safe haven for overwintering birds including avocets, black-tailed godwits and large numbers of wildfowl. The specially-created gravel islands also provide a summer-nesting site for Sandwich and common terns.

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...

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.

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.

Now more than ever, we all need access to nature, fresh air and open spaces. Become a member today and you can explore our outdoor places and park at most of our car parks free of charge. What's more, your membership will go towards looking after nature, beauty and history for generations to come.

For 125 years, people like you have helped us protect some of the UK's best-loved places. Everyone needs nature, beauty and green spaces now more than ever. But our income has dropped sharply due to the coronavirus crisis, and our essential conservation work is at risk. Please give what you can to help us look after these places, so people and nature can thrive.