Dorset

Brownsea Island wildlife walk

Black-tailed godwit at Brownsea Island — Black-tailed godwit | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

There is plenty of wildlife and history to observe on this walk, which cuts through mixed broadleaf and pine woodland at the centre of the island. Catch a glimpse of a rare red squirrel or discover traces of Brownsea's once industrial past.

Near to

Brownsea Island

Start point

Path next to church

Address
Start: Path next to church, grid ref: SZ022876
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Trains to Poole or Bournemouth, then boat.
On foot
To Poole Quay: From the Quay visitors car park in Poole: follow the pedestrian signage to Poole Quay where you will find Greenslade ferries departing to Brownsea Island BH15 1HJ.
By ferry
From Poole Quay (see details on Brownsea home page). A chain ferry travels from Shell Bay, Studland to Sandbanks every 20 minutes.
By bus
The Poole town circular bus connects Poole Quay with the bus and train station. The number 60 runs from Rockley Park to Poole Quay. The numbers 8 and 9 run services close to Poole Quay via Hamworthy, Turlin Moor, Upton and Creekmoor.
Cycling
Please note that it's not possible to bring bikes to the island. The following directions will give you the best routes to the ferries and information about where to store your bike. National Cycle Network route 25 runs from Blandford Forum to Bournemouth, via Wimborne Minster and Poole Quay. Poole has dedicated cycle lanes through the town and there are traffic free routes across Poole Park. For bike storage the Dolphin Centre in Poole has a cycle hub with 29 spaces, including storage for eBikes and Cargo bikes, for more information visit https://www.spokesafe.com/dolphin-cycle-hub. Cycle racks are also available at Poole Quay.
By road
Poole Quay is clearly signposted on roads approaching Poole. Non-National Trust car parks in Poole.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Path next to church
Stage 1
Start the walk from the path to the right of the church and walk in the opposite direction from the quay.
Stage 2
Carry straight along this path. In spring and autumn, this is one of the best places to see red squirrels as they feed on sweet chestnut and beech tree nuts.
Red squirrels
Red squirrels must gain over 10% of their body weight to survive the winter. They're best seen in autumn when foraging for nuts. They can tell if a nut is rotten by its weight. Pine trees are particularly important for red squirrels and you'll often see chewed pine cones on the woodland floor. There are no grey squirrels on Brownsea even though they're usually better adapted to survive in this type of woodland than red squirrels. There are more than 60 types of tree to be seen, including oak, beech, holly and ash.
Look up for a better chance of spotting a red squirrel on Brownsea Island | © National Trust Images / John Millar
Stage 3
Pass the Vinery and turn left at the Whispering seat, then continue through ideal red squirrel territory, with mature Scots pine trees on your left.
A goldcrest sitting in a yew tree. | © National Trust Images/ Alan Travers
Stage 4
Pass the lily pond and at the top of the hill take the next path on your left signposted to the Visitor Centre and quay. Look out for mallard ducks with ducklings in the spring.
Woodland management
There are over 100 tree species on Brownsea, most planted since the 1700s by a succession of owners. Brownsea has mixed woodland comprising mainly pine and native hardwood trees such as oak, beech, rowan and hazel. There is still some rhododendron here, as in other parts of the island, although we are working to eradicate them as they have a very negative effect on the island environment, including preventing young trees from establishing. The pine woodland here is regenerating and a succession of different aged trees are required to ensure a continuing supply of pine nuts: an important food source for the squirrels.
Sun shining through pine trees on Brownsea Island | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey
Stage 5
Follow the path and on your right you will see what remains of the daffodil plantation which was established in the early 20th century by the Van Raaltes, who were the owners at the time.
Daffodil fields in spring | © Ellen Glover
Stage 6
At the farm buildings turn left, which brings you onto Church Field and back to where you started.
The Lookout
Once back at Church Field head to The Lookout wildlife observatory, here you will get fantastic views across the lagoon. Look out for wading birds like redshank and avocet. There are many types of duck, including shelduck and teal, in the autumn spoonbill can often be seen in large numbers on the far sandbar. There are occasional sightings of peregrine falcon and white-tailed sea eagle flying over the lagoon.
The view from The Lookout window | © National Trust Images/ James Dobson
End point
End: The Lookout building next to the entrance to the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve.
Trail map
Map of Brownsea Island wildlife walk | © National Trust
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Pink heather with trees in the background and blue sky above.

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Brownsea lakes and heath walk

This gentle walk passes through some of the most beautiful and varied habitats on Brownsea, including heathland and woodland – perfect for wildlife watching and photography.

Poole Harbour, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7EE

01202707744

brownseaisland@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Eating and shopping on Brownsea Island

Fuel up for your adventure at the Villano Café, where you'll find a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. Elsewhere, shop for a Brownsea Island souvenir at the Trading Post and browse our second-hand bookshop.

Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 6

Total stages: 6

Start point

Stage 1

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Point of interest

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Point of interest

Stage 6

Point of interest

End point

Trail map

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