Twelve on Brownsea island - a real island adventure

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Staff and volunteers clearing woodland on Brownsea Island

At-a-glance details

Dates27 October 2019 to 1 November 2019
Holiday typeTrust
AvailabilityPlaces available
Activity type Coast and countryside, Survey
Cost£190
Physicality7
Holiday code19ATM253
AccommodationSouth Shore Lodge Bunkhouse

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About Twelve on Brownsea island - a real island adventure

Help us to look after the enchanting place that inspired Enid Blyton’s Whispering Island in the Famous Five adventures.

Made up of woodland, heathland, salt marsh and beaches, Brownsea Island is a haven for wildlife and offers a real island adventure for working holidays participants. Staying on the island for the duration, this holiday offers the chance to ‘get away from it all’ and to work alongside our outdoor centre and countryside teams. Work at this time of year focuses on habitat management, from scrub clearance, fencing and repairs and you will also get the opportunity to help us gather data about the island wildlife, including of course our famous and rare red squirrels and deer. During your stay, you’ll also have the option to try fun activities such as archery or low ropes as well as being given an informative guided island walk to orientate yourselves and bring to life some of Brownsea’s remarkable and varied history.

About the accommodation

This Victorian building on the south of Brownsea Island has incredible views of the Purbeck hills. The bunkhouse comprises five rooms with bunk beds, living/dining area and kitchen. There are toilet/ shower facilities in a separate block. The gardens offer a barbecue and picnic benches. Access to the mainland is by boat and takes 5 minutes to Sandbanks and 40 minutes to Poole.

Notes for guests

What to bring: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be supplied but participants are welcome to bring their own gardening gloves.

A kit list can be found on our Essential Information page

Transport: Transport to the island is via ferry - departure locations change depending on the time of the year. Contact amanda.shorey@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information. Transport on the mainland is not provided and participants will be required to make their own way to the ferry. Arrival must be before 15:30.