Brownsea Island

Description:

Want to get away from it all? Brownsea Island has all the space you need to relax with friends and family. Take a harbour cruise to explore an island rich in wildlife and history. Discover wonderful walks and then why not enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking spectacular Poole Harbour?

Just a 20 minute boat trip from Poole Quay.

Marvel at the breathtaking views and enjoy the peaceful setting, undisturbed by traffic, ideal for picnics and walking. There is lots for the kids to do too. Get wild about wildlife with tracker packs, trails, and a range of exciting events and activities.

Discover the rich variety of habitats - woodland, heathland, wetland and shoreline.

The island has a fascinating and colourful history and has had a variety of uses throughout the years. In Victorian times, pottery was produced there, and some pieces can still be found on the shoreline today. During the Second World War, this island was used as a decoy to protect the Harbour, and was subsequently taken over by the National Trust in 1962.

Brownsea has much to offer visitors with tranquil woodland walks, children's adventure trails, stunning views across the harbour and a scout and guide actvitity centre. The Island is one of the last strongholds of the Red Squirrel in southern Britain and is also home to internationally important populations of terns, wildfowl and wading birds including avocet.

Offering many special events throughout the year including the popular Open Air Theatre, activity weekends and guided walks.

•  Fine walks and spectacular views of Poole Harbour

•  Home to the endangered red squirrel

•  Famous for being the birthplace for Scouting and Guiding

•  A haven for wildlife, including Sika deer and wading birds

•  Trails and Tracker Packs for young smugglers and explorers

•  Escape the noise and stress of modern life and discover nature in this unspoilt setting

Brownsea Island offers a varied and beautiful landscape for enjoying the wonders of nature; from the patchworks of woodland, heath and grassy fields in the peaceful and secluded interior, to the cliffs and beaches of the coastline, which offer breathtaking views across the harbour to the Purbeck Hills.

Baden-Powell Outdoor Centre
Come on an adventure to Brownsea Island and follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped here in 1907. Our campsite and hostel are open to all recognised youth and educational groups. Sailing, canoeing, archery, orienteering, conservation work and more are all available on the island.

History and Scouting Heritage

Occupied since the Iron Age, Brownsea has seen a fascinating succession of owners. The most recent include the van Raaltes, who hosted the first Scout camp in 1907 led by Lord Baden-Powell. Reclusive private owner, Mary Bonham-Christie, then bought the island in 1927 and turned it into a dedicated nature conservation area.

Wildlife
Brownsea, home to BBC's Autumnwatch in 2008, is described by Bill Oddie 'as the best place for seeing wildlife in Dorset.' The island is home to a thriving population of the scarce and threatened red squirrel and offers winter shelter to a quarter of the UK's winter population of avocets; a black and white bird with a long, curved beak.

Bird Watching

The island is a fantastic location for bird watching. It is a habitat of national and international importance for a variety of birds including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers.

Open daily from 10.00 am 14th March - 1 November 2009

Via Ferry from Poole Quay or Sandbanks Jetty (note boat fare is extra).

National Trust Logo - The National Trust - The sign of a great day out.

Brownsea Island is accessible by boat from Sandbanks Jetty, Poole Quay, Bournemouth Pier, and Swanage Pier. Please note non National Trust Members have to pay landing fee.