National Trust Brownsea Island

National Trust Brownsea Island Home of red squirrels & birthplace of Scouting. Brownsea Island is now open for the season until Sun 1 Nov. Wildlife sanctuary. It helps us to learn and grow.
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Dogs are not permitted on this protected nature reserve, With the exception of assistance dogs, which must be clearly identified. UK conservation charity, behind the scenes of everyday island life. Home of red squirrels & birthplace of scouting .

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Looking for a thoughtful and memorable Father’s Day gift? If your dad enjoys the great outdoors, why not treat him to a ...
14/06/2026

Looking for a thoughtful and memorable Father’s Day gift? If your dad enjoys the great outdoors, why not treat him to a Wild Wetland Bird Walk on Brownsea. The walk is on Sat 27 June and it will be our final one before the autumn.

There’s plenty to see at this time of the year, including tern and wader chicks, alongside all the other wildlife that makes the island so special. Give a gift that’s truly different, a nature experience for your dad to enjoy and remember. 💚

See booking link below. 👇

📷 National Trust Images/ James Dobson & Dorset Wildlife Trust/ Nicki T

We recently received a small but fascinating donation of letters, photographs and an original copy of 'A Sketch of Brown...
13/06/2026

We recently received a small but fascinating donation of letters, photographs and an original copy of 'A Sketch of Brownsea Island', which was published in 1881. These items are linked to Sir Arthur Wheeler, who owned Brownsea Island between 1925 and 1927.

The author Rev. Theophilus Bennett served as Vicar of Brownsea from Feb 1880–Dec 1881. This book was once owned by a member of the island’s Whittingham family, a signature can be found inside the cover.

When the National Trust took over Brownsea Island, it was republished in 1971 as a red-and-cream facsimile which was sold in the island shop that existed at that time. We’d love to hear from anyone who still has a copy.

It’s Great Big Green Week, a perfect moment to do something for nature. The National Trust’s Sky Gardening Competition l...
10/06/2026

It’s Great Big Green Week, a perfect moment to do something for nature. The National Trust’s Sky Gardening Competition launched last week and is all about greening small spaces, from balconies to window boxes. Whatever space you have, you can grow something that lifts you and helps wildlife too

Find out more below 👇

08/06/2026

We have just 4 places left on our Bird and Bat Safari this Thursday, 11 June. The remaining safaris for the month are now fully booked. 🦇

Book your place today 👇

📷 National Trust Images

Book now to secure your place: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/events/4f31caca-1309-4e78-8...
06/06/2026

Book now to secure your place: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/events/4f31caca-1309-4e78-8d1f-3b88a45f560b

✨️ ONLY 1 Ticket left for 22nd July - the first date of Cruise, Dine & Dance on Brownsea Island! ✨️

We are BACK for an exclusive evening of Soul & Motown on stunning Brownsea Island! 🥂🎶

The evening includes:
- a scenic harbour cruise aboard the vintage yacht 'Dorset Queen' & complimentary drink while soaking up the views over Poole Harbour en route to the Island 🥂

- Delicious meal & views @ the waterfront 'Villano Café'
- LIVE music with my Trio 🎷🎹🎤
- Only 3 Summer dates - Weds 22 July, Weds 29 July & Weds 5 August

Tickets & info available here 👇❤️

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island/events/4f31caca-1309-4e78-8d1f-3b88a45f560b

Dorset Cruises 🛥☀️
National Trust 🐿📸

05/06/2026

On World Environment Day we're highlighting some of the work that our Ranger team have been doing to monitor red squirrels on the island.

Heathland restoration has been a major focus on Brownsea, this often involves
some selective thinning of trees, this is balanced with the needs of the red squirrels. The remaining trees have room to grow, producing larger canopies and more pinecones.

To assess the impact of different habitat structures and species, we have conducted squirrel surveys across the island. This year, trail cameras were used to capture squirrel activity, with higher sightings indicating greater abundance.

Temporary feeders were installed specifically for the survey and the footage was analysed using AI software to identify squirrels, significantly reducing the time required by staff to analyse the footage.

The results support a blended approach to habitat management, with established wooded heathland recording the highest number of sightings. 🐿️

Our new ‘scone of the month’ has arrived and this time it’s a savoury treat. Introducing the coronation cheese scone, wh...
04/06/2026

Our new ‘scone of the month’ has arrived and this time it’s a savoury treat. Introducing the coronation cheese scone, which is perfectly paired with sweet mango chutney and a zesty lime and coriander cream cheese.

📷 National Trust/ Lynne B

Take a walk around Brownsea Island and you’ll  be treated to an aerial display of dragonflies and damselflies. At first ...
03/06/2026

Take a walk around Brownsea Island and you’ll be treated to an aerial display of dragonflies and damselflies. At first glance, they may appear similar but aside from size, what sets them apart?

Dragonflies are large powerful and agile in flight, they have two pairs of wings that are positioned horizontally. They can reach impressive speeds of up to 30 miles per hour with a 97% hunting success rate.

Damselflies, by contrast, are more delicate in both appearance and movement. Their wings are typically folded vertically when at rest and their flight tends to be slower and more fluttering.

See how many you can spot when you visit the island.

📷 National Trust/ Mike B

A lovely article and interview about our lovely shepherd's huts.
03/06/2026

A lovely article and interview about our lovely shepherd's huts.

In this short film, Discover Animals’ thetraveltrunk visits the new Shepherds Huts on National Trust Brownsea Island in Dorset.

The historic campsite at Brownsea Island within Poole Harbour can now offer two Shepherds Huts for a very different camping experience.

The island has a mixture of woodland, heathland and reedbeds plus lakes and a lagoon of international importance for overwintering and summer-nesting birds. It is also famous for red squirrels, sandy beaches and shallow waters on its southern and western shores.

Watch more 🎥

https://youtu.be/SAfGUfFOerA

Read more 👇

https://www.discoveranimals.co.uk/news/stay-new-shepherds-huts-brownsea-island/

Volunteers' Week gives us the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution of our 300+ vol...
02/06/2026

Volunteers' Week gives us the perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution of our 300+ volunteers on Brownsea. Their commitment, passion and generosity are at the heart of everything we do and we couldn't manage the island without their support.

Thank you everyone. 😍

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Brownsea Island
Poole
BH137EE

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