Brownsea Island

The long summer days provide the perfect opportunity to experience the tranquillity of island habitats. Venture into the woodland on the trail of the rare red squirrel or bring your binoculars and spot soaring sea birds over Poole harbour.

Soar, leap and play like a red squirrel on our new Natural Play Area, complete with balance beams, see saws and monkey bars. Or why not pick up a Tree Trail leaflet and be the first in your family to climb all nine Brownsea trees?

Our Villano Cafe is currently closed, so why not pack a family picnic and follow our guide to find the best picnic spots on the island.

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 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.

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.

As we gradually and safely open more of the places we care for, there’ll be more opportunities to explore gardens and parklands near you. If you’re a member, you can access all these places free, together with most National Trust car parks. It’s so important for everyone to have fresh air, birdsong, big skies and open spaces to enjoy. Your membership will go towards looking after all of this 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.