Brownsea Island

Brownsea Island is a wildlife haven, situated only 15 minutes by ferry from Poole Quay. This small island hosts eight priority habitats, including lowland heathland and grassland, wet woodland, reedbeds and a saline lagoon.

The variety of habitats provide refuge for a wealth of flora and fauna, including one of the few wild populations of red squirrels in the England, and has led to the island being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

The UK population of red squirrels, once at 3.5 million is now estimated to be under 140,000, compared to 2.5 million greys. There are over 200 red squirrels that call Brownsea Island home and rely on the woodland to provide up to 80% of their food, which is mainly made up of pine seeds. They are shy, so not regularly seen, but their dreys can be seen high in the boughs of the trees and as the summer season goes on, they start to think about preparing for hibernation, and with this can be seen frequently foraging on the ground. As well as being cheeky and stunning to look at, they are central to the regeneration of pine woodlands. They begin their winter moult in September, so their ear tufts are likely to be more prominent, making for even more characterful images! 

As well as the population of resident squirrels, there is also a large herd of sika deer, passerines, waders and bats, alongside introduced species such as peacock and pheasant. While the deer are shy and unlikely to be seen, the resident peacocks are very friendly and tend to make themselves available for some nice portrait images. Amongst the variety of passerines present, we are likely to encounter coal, blue, great and long-tailed tits as well as greater spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches and jays.  

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