Community work on and off Brownsea Island

A group of four young adults from the Up programme standing in woodlands on Brownsea Island. — UP programme students at Brownsea in 2023 | © National Trust/ Dania Schmitz-Vaughan

Creating opportunities together by working with local organisations, Brownsea Island is making nature, history and life-changing experiences more accessible to young people and people with disabilities.

Community engagement

Over the last few years, we've built stronger connections with our local community through partnerships with councils, charities and other organisations. Together, we've created more opportunities for people to enjoy Brownsea's nature, beauty and history.

These projects have helped a wider range of people, particularly young people and those with disabilities, access the island, build confidence and develop valuable life skills.

Watch this space for updates on our community work throughout 2026.

Upskill programme

One of these partnerships is the Upskill Programme, run in collaboration with UP in BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council).

Designed for 16 to 18-year-olds who are not currently in education, employment or training, the programme gives young people the chance to gain hands-on experience in a real working environment.

Over six weeks, participants spend time developing practical skills, building confidence and exploring future career opportunities, helping them take positive steps towards their next chapter.

Meet some of the Upskill participants

Urban Places Strategy

Everyone should have the chance to enjoy nature, beauty and history, no matter where they live. The Urban Places Strategy aims to tackle unequal access to green spaces and heritage in towns and cities by:

Improving access to parks, green spaces and places where people can connect with nature.
Sharing skills and expertise to help protect treasured local heritage sites alongside the communities that care for them.
Building new partnerships and working in more urban areas to create lasting benefits for people and places.

Brownsea Island is proud to support the National Trust's Urban Places Strategy through our partnership with BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council). Together, we're helping to connect more people with nature through projects such as the Stour Valley Project and Littledown Greenway, while also supporting the wider delivery of BCP's Green Strategy.

Through these partnerships, we're helping create healthier, greener communities and inspiring more people to enjoy and care for the natural and historic places on their doorstep.

Urban Initiatives Strategy

Children from Bayside Academy in Poole watching the birds through binoculars. | © National Trust/ Victoria Vincent

Community Ranger Work

When three young people from Elevate Internships were invited to join us for a green skills programme on Brownsea, we didn’t expect the experience to turn into a story of resilience and creativity.

Due to ongoing personal challenges, only one participant, Marlei continued. His determination and passion for carpentry stood out. With the help of Peter, one of our long-standing volunteers and woodworking expert, Marlei embarked on a series of hands-on sessions.

What started as a simple interest grew into a partnership built on trust. By the end, Marlei had designed, built, and finished a wooden box, a symbol of his new found confidence and a great personal achievement.
Connecting Children with Nature Through Forest School

This summer, we launched a Forest School programme at Kings Park Primary School, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds spend more time outdoors and connect with nature.

Led by our Community Ranger, a qualified Forest School Practitioner, the weekly sessions support children with additional SEMH and SEND needs, including those at risk of exclusion.

Every Tuesday, the group heads outside for three hours of play, exploration and child-led learning. Through fun, achievable activities, the children build confidence, develop new skills and discover the benefits of spending time in nature.

The programme has faced its challenges, but the results are already clear. Small yet meaningful changes are helping children grow in confidence, engagement and wellbeing, showing just how powerful time in nature can be.
A Special Day for Ukrainian Families on Brownsea Island

In October 2025, we welcomed a group of Ukrainian families to Brownsea Island through our partnership with Hope and Kindness. Spanning several generations, these families have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The day offered a chance to relax, explore the island and enjoy some of Brownsea's incredible wildlife. Families also took part in nature-connection activities in the woods, creating time and space to unwind together.

For many, the visit was especially meaningful. Brownsea's landscapes, wildlife and peaceful surroundings reminded them of home, making the day a powerful opportunity to reconnect with nature and create positive memories.
MYTime Carers: A Day of Discovery and Fun

During October half term 2025, we welcomed a group of young carers and the fantastic team from MYTime Carers for a special day on Brownsea Island.

The children were eager to explore, spending time birdwatching from the Lookout and searching for red squirrels in the woodland. Along the way, they discovered more about the island's wildlife and enjoyed the chance to connect with nature.

Back at the Visitor Centre, they got creative with a range of seasonal crafts, including conker weaving and plant printing.

We're excited to continue growing our partnership with MYTime Carers, with plans to develop new opportunities for young carers, including green employability pathways for those aged 16+ who are not currently in education, employment or training.

Jasmin Bhanji and community group members looking at leafs, seeds and other materials foraged from Osterley Park.

Would you like to help us reach more communities?

Can you help us reach more communities across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more

Brownsea Island are members of Community Action Network

The Community Action Network (CAN) Dorset brings together charities, community groups, volunteers and partners to strengthen local communities by providing support, training, funding advice and connections that help organisations make a greater impact across Dorset.

Visit website

Explore Up in BCP

Working in partnership with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) local council has created unique opportunities for young people to upskill themselves and access nature, beauty and history.

Group of teenagers on a photography course, standing in a overlooking the fen

Volunteering on Brownsea Island

Volunteers are vital in supporting special places such as Brownsea Island.

A volunteer wearing red work gloves smiles with an armful of dried bracken

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