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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).

Explore Brownsea Island the home of the red squirrel - now open for early spring weekends giving the perfect opportunity to see birds, discover wildlife or simply be out in the fresh air enjoying beautiful surroundings - there is so much to see in the harbour and island. You may also see Sika Deer.

The best way to see the wildlife is to visit a reserve, attend an event, let the RSPB introduce you to Arne, go to a heathland area and/or walk with an experienced guide or just meander along one of the many trails in the area. Make a date with nature!

The Dorset Wildlife Trust manage over 100 hectares of the largest island in Poole Harbour. The first little egrets to breed in Britain nest 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 and reserve entrance fee.)

Whatever the season it's a fantastic time to see something; whether it's a riot of colour when the heather blooms on the heath lands, 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 , a great initiative, opened in March 2018, the new visitor centre 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.

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Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Poole

Animal feeding, indoor & outdoor play areas & tractor rides, for young explorers aged 0-8.

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1036 reviews
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Verwood

Farm Park with over 20 rescued Heavy Horses & friendly animals plus a whole host of exciting family activities.

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1179 reviews
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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143 reviews
Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

The award-winning Oceanarium is the perfect all weather attraction home to some awesome creatures!

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2633 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.
New Forest Wildlife Park

Southampton

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

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1131 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...
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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2069 reviews

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