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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 Brownsea which is 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.

The Island is 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. Many of our harbour cruise boat operators also offer bird watching cruises.

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.

Scroll down the page to view a range of attractions that include wildlife.

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Oceanarium, The Bournemouth Aquarium

Bournemouth

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

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2941 reviews
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre

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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.
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World

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Paultons Family Theme Park has over 70 wonderful rides and attractions. Paultons is of course home to the world’s first & UK exclusive Peppa Pig World!

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8009 reviews
The Etches Collection - Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

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

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185 reviews
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

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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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1321 reviews
City Cruises Poole

Poole

COVID-19 VISITENGLAND WE’RE GOOD TO GO ACCREDITED BUSINESS
Boat cruises, Jurassic Coast, Poole Harbour tours & Sea Train Adventures from Poole Quay.

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356 reviews
Upton Country Park

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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.
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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2344 reviews
Compton Acres

Poole

Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the charming Café, browse creative gifts or delve into the exciting world of plants within the Plant Centre, there's a surprise at every turn.

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949 reviews
Brownsea Island Ferries

Poole

Poole's oldest boat company leaving from the Yellow Kiosks on Poole Quay, harbour cruises, Jurassic cruises, bird boats and trips to Brownsea Island.

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653 reviews
Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle is situated right on the beautiful beach and only short walk away from the sea.

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642 reviews
Greenslade Pleasure Boats

Poole

Board a Greenslade boat & see the wonderful Poole Harbour, take a trip up the Wareham river or visit Brownsea Island.

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77 reviews
The Blue Pool and Wareham Bears

Wareham

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

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526 reviews
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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1221 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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Birds in Poole Harbour © Paul Morton

Wildlife & Bird Watching

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