A Date with Nature Itinerary

Red squirrels, lagoon birds and one of Europe's rarest habitats, all within a few miles of the Quay.

Poole Harbour is a RAMSAR wetland and the heath around it is rarer than rainforest, which makes this an unusually good day for a group with binoculars.

Morning: Brownsea Island

The boat from Poole Quay takes about twenty minutes. Brownsea Island has red squirrels in the woodland, peacocks on the paths, and a lagoon with hides overlooking one of the most important bird sites on the south coast. Book the boat ahead for a group.

Afternoon: the heath

Across the water, Arne is lowland heath, a habitat that has largely vanished from Britain, with views back over the harbour. Keep to the paths: much of what lives here nests on the ground.

Before you go

Read Respect, Protect, Enjoy. Birds roosting at high tide have nowhere else to go, and pushing them off costs them energy they need.

See the harbour guide for the background.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see red squirrels near Poole?

Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour holds one of southern England's last red squirrel populations. They are most often seen in the island's woodland, particularly early and late in the day.

What birds can you see in Poole Harbour?

The harbour is internationally important for overwintering and passage birds. Winter brings waders and wildfowl in large numbers to the mudflats, avocets among them, and ospreys pass through on migration.

When is the best time for wildlife in Poole Harbour?

Winter for sheer numbers of birds on the mudflats, spring and early summer for heathland species and nesting activity, and late summer and autumn for osprey passage.

Planning your visit?

Where to stay in Poole

Sandbanks hotels, harbourside flats a street back from the Quay and the quieter beds out at Hamworthy and Broadstone, with the areas each one suits.

Where to stay →