Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

Name: Brownsea Island
Item: Brownsea Island
Author: We Love Swanage

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve holds the title of being the largest island in Poole Harbour. It’s a stunning location that’s home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural beauty. Did you know that the ownership of the island is under the National Trust? It’s fascinating to think that this beautiful piece of land is being preserved and protected by an organization that aims to conserve our natural and cultural heritage.

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve offers a wonderful opportunity for nature lovers to explore its vast expanse of woodland and heath. The island is open to the public and you can enjoy a serene walk amidst the lush greenery while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The area boasts an incredible array of diverse wildlife, providing ample opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the natural world.

Experience breathtaking views of Poole Harbour and the stunning Isle of Purbeck from the comfort of a cliff top vantage point. Discover the stunning Brownsea Island Nature Reserve by hopping on one of the public ferries or taking your own private boat. The island is a true gem, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. With multiple transportation options available, getting to this picturesque destination has never been easier. Did you know that the main castle boasts a charming wharf and a quaint dock nearby? These picturesque features add to the castle’s allure and provide a lovely spot for visitors to take in the surrounding scenery.

The island is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and 0.75 miles (1.2 km) wide and consists of 500 acres (202.34 ha) of woodland (pine and oak), heathland and salt-marsh. The northern portion of Brownsea Island Nature Reserve is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and an important habitat for birds; this part of the island has limited public access. A small portion to the south-east of the island, along with Brownsea Castle, is leased to the John Lewis Partnership for use as a holiday hotel for staff, and is not open to the public.

Visiting Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

Brownsea Island has a visitor centre and museum, displaying the island’s history. There is also a newly located shop and cafe, with one holiday cottage on the quay. At the Scout camp at the south-west of the Island, there is an outdoor centre and a trading post shop which is focused on the Scout movement.

Brownsea Island is the perfect place for a family day out. There are so many activities for the children at the nature reserve. From bird and wildlife spotting to tree climbing trails and natural adventure play areas.

Wildlife at Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

The island is one of the few places in southern England where indigenous red squirrels survive, largely because non-native grey squirrels have never been introduced to the island. Brownsea Island also has a small ornamental population of peacocks. The island has a heronry, in which both grey heron and little egret nest.

There is a large population of non-native sika deer on Brownsea Island Nature Reserve. In the past the numbers have been higher than the island can sustain and have overgrazed. To try to limit damage to trees and other vegetation by deer, areas of the island have been fenced off to provide areas of undamaged woodland to allow other species such as red squirrels to thrive.

The lagoon is noted for the large population of common tern and sandwich tern in summer, then a very large flock of avocets in winter, when over 50% of British birds (over 1500) can be present.

Facilities & Access at Brownsea Island Nature Reserve

Do note that dogs are not allowed at this reserve.

The Villa Wildlife Centre has toilets, an exhibition and gift shop.

There is a suggested £2 donation for entry into the nature reserve (or a £5 season ticket).

Public ferries run daily to the island from Sandbanks from 10am March – November, check for details. Also, ferries from Poole Quay & Bournemouth Pier. During the winter months the island is closed to the public, but re-opens normally in Mid February with limited ferries.

Remember to display your National Trust Membership Card when visiting.

Brownsea Island Nature Reserve is not open all year round to the public. Please check detailed opening times with the National Trust before planning your trip.

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Brownsea Island

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