Birdwatching and Wildlife
The Ultimate Birdwatching and Wildlife Itinerary in and around Poole
With its diverse habitats and thriving wildlife, Poole Harbour is a top destination for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned twitcher or simply love the great outdoors, Poole and the surrounding area offer unforgettable opportunities to observe rare and migrating bird species in stunning natural settings.
1. Birds of Poole Harbour Tours
Location: Poole Harbour
Cost: Prices vary – visit Birds of Poole Harbour for details
For a fully immersive birdwatching experience, Birds of Poole Harbour offers expert-led cruises and courses, including Spring and Summer Safari Cruises and Spring Bird Song ID Courses. The reintroduction of ospreys and white-tailed eagles to the harbour has been a stunning recent success, and their expert ornithologists can tell you when and where to look out for them. Their Spring and Autumn Safari Cruises provide a three-hour guided tour, where you can spot migrating birds returning to the harbour. These tours are highly popular, so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Image: Clare Slade, Wildlife Photographer
Image: Clare Slade, Wildlife Photographer
2. The Lookout – Brownsea Island
Image: National Trust Images/ James Dobson
Location: Brownsea Island
Cost: Free to attend (ferry fare and National Trust charges apply – Brownsea Island Ferries)
The Lookout is a state-of-the-art wildlife observation point on Brownsea Island, developed as part of the Wild Brownsea project by Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust. It offers panoramic views over the Lagoon, a sanctuary for bird species all year round.
From here, you can watch wading birds feeding and nesting, surrounded by picturesque woodlands and tranquil waters. The facility also features educational displays about Brownsea Island’s wildlife and is fully wheelchair accessible, making it a great spot for all visitors. During your visit to the Brownsea, also keep an eye out for the red squirrels, famously seen everywhere on the island.
Image: Clare Slade, Wildlife Photographer
3. Holes Bay Nature Reserve – Upton Country Park
Image: TripAdvisor
Location: Upton Country Park
Cost: Free (parking charges may apply)
Holes Bay Nature Reserve spans over 700 acres and is one of the best birdwatching spots in Poole Harbour. The combination of salt marshes, mudflats and shallow waters make it an ideal habitat for wetland birds, with over 80 species of marine invertebrates providing a rich food source.
Bird species you might spot here include kingfishers, redshanks, spoonbills, and black-tailed godwit. Part of Holes Bay, closest to Upton Country Park, is a Bird Sensitive Area, meaning there is restricted or no access to certain locations, such as Pergins Island. However, The Lookout at Upton Country Park provides a dedicated bird hide, allowing you to enjoy sightings of these species whilst preserving their peaceful habitat.
4. RSPB Arne, Wareham
Image: Clare Slade, Wildlife Photographer
Location: Arne, Wareham
Cost: Free for RSPB members, or £5 per adult and £2.50 per child for non-members
RSPB Arne is one of the UK’s top nature reserves, frequently featured on the BBC’s beloved wildlife show, Winterwatch. Arne offers a diverse landscape of heathland, woodland, wetlands, and mudflats, perfect for nature to grow. This carefully maintained environment supports thriving bird and wildlife populations, making it an essential visit for any nature lover.
Visitors can take advantage of various wildlife experiences, including viewing hides for discreet birdwatching and guided wildlife walks such as birdwatching tours, Dawn Chorus walks, and Full Moon walks. For a more personalised experience you can hire a guide for smaller groups, offering a deeper insight into the diverse wildlife at Arne. More details can be found on RSPB Arne Events.
Image: Clare Slade, Wildlife Photographer
5. Stour Valley Nature Reserve
Location: Bournemouth – Visit Stour Valley
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
This award-winning Green Flag nature reserve spans two miles of beautiful riverside landscapes, featuring footpaths, meadows, and woodlands perfect for a peaceful wildlife walk. Start your visit at the Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, where you’ll find wildlife awareness activities, educational resources about the local environment, and a variety of events aimed at improving awareness of the area’s natural heritage.