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Behind the Scenes of Brownsea's Conservation Work
Brownsea’s beautiful landscapes require a programme of vital conservation work. Find out how heathland restoration and habitat management are helping wildlife thrive across the island.
Land, outdoors and nature
Nationally, the Trust's Land Outdoors and Nature strategy has set out ambitious plans to help reverse the decline in wildlife on all the land in our care as we aim to create or restore 25,000 hectares of habitat by 2025 – the equivalent of more than 33,000 Premier League football pitches.
Heathland and woodland restoration on Brownsea as part of this project will count towards these ambitions.
The improvement works that have been carried out on Brownsea also represent the culmination of a long-held ambition to tackle and eradicate invasive species such as holm oak and rhododendron, inherited by the National Trust on Brownsea six decades ago.
What is a Countryside Stewardship agreement?
Brownsea is part of a five-year conservation programme funded by Natural England through Countryside Stewardship. The scheme supports land managers to restore habitats, boost biodiversity and help nature thrive.
Conservation in action on Brownsea
We're using this funding to restore and connect Brownsea's wildlife-rich habitats, improving heathland and woodland while creating better conditions for the species that call the island home.
What's happening?
Major habitat restoration and track improvements were completed by early 2023. We're now focusing on controlling invasive species, creating new habitats and managing species-rich grassland to help wildlife thrive.
Why are we doing it?
Brownsea is a vital wildlife haven within the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve. By restoring habitats and working closely with neighbouring landowners, we're creating bigger, better connected spaces that allow wildlife to move, adapt and flourish.
Part of a bigger picture
Brownsea forms part of the UK's first "super" National Nature Reserve, linking heathland, woodland, wetlands and other precious habitats across Purbeck. Together, these connected landscapes give rare species more space to survive and prosper.
Biodiversity at its heart
The Purbeck Heaths is one of the UK's richest wildlife areas, home to hundreds of rare and protected species. By working in partnership across the landscape, we're helping nature recover on a much larger scale than any site could achieve alone.
key facts
12.5 hectares
of invasive rhododendron's been removed
18.6 hectares
of heathland restoration undertaken
5.5 kilometres
of track has been upgraded for future conservation and visitor access
Where are we now?
Heathland restoration taking shape
The main restoration work is complete. Around 2,000 tonnes of timber has been removed, opening up the landscape and allowing sunlight to reach the ground. With most stumps cleared and nutrients reduced, conditions are now ideal for heathland to return, and fresh shoots of heather are already beginning to appear.
Keeping nature on track
The work doesn't stop here. Ongoing management will keep bracken, rhododendron and pine under control, giving native heathland the space it needs to thrive.
Better access across the island
More than 4,000 tonnes of gravel has been brought to Brownsea to improve the island's tracks. The upgrades make it easier for everyone to explore, including users of the Squirrel Shuttle and all-terrain wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Why heathland matters
Heathland is one of the UK's rarest habitats, with more than 80% lost since the 1800s. Without careful management, it can quickly be overtaken by trees like pine and birch.
But heathland is more than a wildlife hotspot. It's also a powerful carbon store, locking away carbon that has built up over centuries. By carefully thinning trees rather than clear-felling, we're restoring this precious habitat while protecting the carbon it holds.
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