Poole's beaches get the attention, but the land around the harbour is the more unusual thing.
The heath
Lowland heath is rarer than tropical rainforest, and Dorset holds a substantial share of what is left. The heath at Arne, across the water, carries species that live almost nowhere else in Britain. It burns easily and much of its wildlife nests on the ground, so keep to paths and never light a fire.
The islands
Brownsea Island is the one you can land on: red squirrels, peacocks and a lagoon full of birds. The smaller harbour islands are private or managed for wildlife.
The parks
Upton Country Park and Poole Park give you harbour shoreline and green space without leaving the town.
The hills
Four minutes on the chain ferry puts you in the Isle of Purbeck: Studland, Corfe Castle and the chalk ridge. See Dorset and countryside.
See wildlife and Respect, Protect, Enjoy.