Brownsea Island

Dorset > United Kingdom

Lagune on Brownsea island is an internationally important nature reserve featuring many wading birds.

Added* by Heike Heinzelmann
Most recent update 13 February 2020

Description

A wetland of 101 hectares. In Winter great for waders, big groups of Eurasian Spoonbill and Avocet. In the summer, the lagoon’s hides are a great place to watch breeding gulls, Sandwich Tern and Common Tern. The reedbeds are home to Common Kingfisher and Water Rail.

Details

Access

You take the passenger ferry from Poole or Sandbanks to Brownsea. Entrance fee applies, as Brownsea is National Trust property. Good viewing from hides and a system of paths and boardwalks give access to most of the habitats.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Moors/heathland , Reedbeds , Lake , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Summer

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Brownsea Island Lagoon is a Breeding Bird Sensitive Area April to June and an important haven for migrating and wintering birds at other times. Please avoid disturbing the birds at any time by keeping to paths and the hides provided. No access is permitted along the northern shoreline of the island.