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Birds in Poole Harbour © Paul Morton

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Wildlife & Bird Watching

Dorset is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and one of the best ways to see the wildlife is to visit a reserve, attend an event, walk with an experienced guide or just meander along one of the many trails in the area. Whatever you do make a date with nature!

Explore Brownsea Island, the home of the red squirrel, Sika Deer and thousands of wading birds. Discover wildlife or simply be out in the fresh air enjoying beautiful surroundings - there is so much to see in the harbour and on island.

Dorset Wildlife Trust manage over 100 hectares of the largest island in Poole Harbour. The first little egrets to breed in Britain nested here. The showpiece is the lagoon, with large flocks of waders, including avocets and black-tailed godwits from autumn to early spring, as well as flocks of spectacular spoonbills. In the summer, watch nesting common and sandwich terns. Red squirrels are visible all year with autumn being the easiest time to spot them. Take the nature trail around the best of the wildlife habitats and hides, visit the Villa Wildlife Centre and see for yourself.

Open from March to November (*National Trust Charges apply plus boat fare from Poole Quay or Sandbanks and a Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve entrance fee.)

Autumn and winter are the best time to see thousands of birds as Poole Harbour teems with visitors. November to January, special Bird Boats run by the National Trust, RSPB and Dorset Wildlife Trust get you close to the action with access to Brownsea Island out of season complete with a guided walk. These popular visits fill up quickly so booking is essential.

Whatever the season it's a fantastic time to see something; whether it's a riot of colour when the heather blooms on the heathland, the autumn colours of the New Forest when the pigs are out foraging for the fallen acorns (but beware as they can be aggressive so view from a safe distance!) or seeing the harbour wintering birds make their appearance. Make a date with nature and take a bird boat and let them introduce you to the spectacular views of feeding avocets and other waders.

Inland from the World Heritage Coast and to the south and west of Salisbury Plain and the New Forest lies the wonderfully varied scenery of rural Dorset, offering a variety of different habitats for plants and wildlife.

Remember plants don't just grow on land - you can discover all sorts of fascinating plants and algae in the sea too. There's lots to do along the Dorset coast, have fun rockpooling, dolphin watching or find out more at a marine centre. Boat trips, kayaking and coastal walks give access to limestone cliffs inhabited by breeding birds and you may be lucky enough to see dolphins.

Birds of Poole Harbour, with its visitor centre based on Poole Quay helps visitors to learn about the harbour’s rich and varied bird life, as well as offering a range of interactive experiences, showcasing the harbour’s ecological importance.

The other side of Poole Harbour is Arne nature reserve, a rare stretch of heathland that is home to all six of the UK's rarest native species. Managed by the RSPB, visitors can take part in a whole host of events and activities that will inspire a life long love of nature.

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Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole

Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their hair down’ without older children around to stifle their enjoyment!

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1206 reviews
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

Wareham

Enjoy a fun-filled, fascinating day out for all ages at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre! As seen on TV’s ‘Monkey Life’ & ‘Monkey Business’ a sanctuary for primates from all over the world.
Upton Country Park

Poole

Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the shoreline, try the Woodland Play Trail, visit an exhibition at The Gallery, try one of the many events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the grounds and…
Sea Fishing Poole

Poole

Sea Fishing Poole, book a fishing trip, buy your equipment or charter a boat - have a day's adventure.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Verwood

The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park is a multi-award-winning attraction attraction located in the heart of Dorset. Recognised as both a family attraction and conservation centre for the rare breed Heavy Horses.

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1320 reviews
New Forest Wildlife Park

Southampton

Visit New Forest Wildlife Park for a warm welcome, a wonderful day out & encounters with some amazing wildlife.

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1280 reviews
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Wareham

Escape to a magical pool, set in 20 acres of heath & woodland in the midst of the Purbeck Hills.

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525 reviews
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

The award-winning Oceanarium is the perfect all weather attraction.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2901 reviews
Brownsea Island - National Trust

Poole

Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay or Sandbanks to discover an island rich in history, wildlife & adventure. Enjoy peace and tranquility, breathtaking coastal views, walks, & family trails.

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2334 reviews
Eling Tide Mill Experience

Totton

The Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, which has stood at the centre of life in Eling for centuries, is one of only a handful of working tide mills left in the UK.
The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

Wareham

A brand new immersive museum housing the finest single collection of Kimmeridgian fossils all found by one man.

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178 reviews
Birds of Poole Harbour

Poole

Birds of Poole Harbour is a new one-stop-shop resource for visitors to find out more about the harbour and the spectacular wildlife it support. Birds of Poole Harbour also offer guided bird trips.

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