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Description
The main part of Poole Harbour is just to the South, Holes Bay is a Northern Arm of the main harbour, the whole area has very shallow water and is a RAMSAR site making it an area of international importance for wildlife conservation. Internationally important numbers of ristisorsa, avosetti and mustapyrstökuiri use the area. Also to be found are kapustahaikara, pikkukuovi,suosirri, suokukko, isosirri, mustaviklo, valkoviklo, punajalkaviklo, haapana, tavi, telkkä, Lapasorsa, jouhisorsa and the occasional uivelo. Following reintroductions of both merikotka on the Isle of Wight and the Poole Harbour sääksi (kalasääski) Project sightings are frequent, depending on season.
The area is well served with wide footpaths giving excellent views, but late afternoon Winter sun can cause a certain amount of 'glare', a visit earlier in the day may be best, whilst a visit at any state of tide is possible, a visit 3 hours either side of high tide is best (see link to the tide table below).
Details
Access
The A350 from the North, the A35 from the West and the A3049 from the North East all meet up on the Northern edge of Holes Bay. The A350 continues down the Eastern shore of Holes Bay Southwards towards the centre of Poole, at Holes Bay North Roundabout (beside Poole Fire Station) follow signs to town centre. Wessex Gate Retail Park is immediately on the Left, turn Left at next roundabout onto A349 signed Wimborne/Broadstone/Corfe Mullen. At next junction turn Left (using filter lane), almost immediately turn Left into Wessex Gate Retail Park car park, whilst the car park is free BE AWARE of PARKING RESTRICTIONS, Check boards in car park, normally MAXIMUM STAY is 0800hrs-2000hrs 3 HOURS and 2000hrs-0800hrs 1 HOUR MONDAY-SUNDAY. BE FURTHER WARNED CARS STAYING BEYOND THE ABOVE TIMES WILL RECEIVE A PARKING FINE. The Car Park is MONITORED BY CAMERAS (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). Birdwatchers have been fined for exceeding the above times.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Sea , City/village , Mud flatsConditions
Flat , Open landscape , High water possibleCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
I highly recommed a visit to this site and the following sites - Studland Heath; Brownsea Island; Arne RSPB reserve; Hatch Pond; Upton Country Park (see separate entries). An extended visit to the area may be needed, but you will not be disappointed.