With access to Brownsea Island in Dorset, disrupted over the past few years by the Covid pandemic and bird flu, visitor events are now back in full swing with its rare red squirrels as the star attraction.
A host of red squirrel themed events, including free guided squirrel spotting walks and a free interactive squirrel trail for children are planned by the National Trust for autumn 2024, on the island positioned in the middle of Poole Harbour.
Brownsea Island in the middle of Poole Harbour is part of the parish of Studland
Home to around 200 squirrels
Brownsea Island is home to around 200 red squirrels thanks to the absence of grey squirrels which, elsewhere, have out competed them for food, leading to a rapid decline in red squirrels across the UK.
Habitat loss and fragmentation has also played a significant role in the decline of red squirrels and now apart from Brownsea Island, the only other place to see them in the south of England is on the Isle of Wight.
Lynne Burningham from the National Trust said:
“Autumn is an amazing time to visit Brownsea as the squirrels are so active, busily gathering food for the winter. Without the leaves on the trees they are so much easier to spot and it’s not just the red squirrels to see.
“There’s also deer, as well as all the other things like unusual fungi and mushrooms. The leaves are already starting to change colour and that’s a spectacular sight too.
“As soon as we get a beautiful, sunny autumn day, it’s pretty special here on the island.”
Spotting squirrels in the woods
Red squirrels are becoming increasingly rare in the UK
Red squirrel inspired games
The squirrel spotting walks on Brownsea are led by knowledgeable guides, running twice daily from Saturday 14th September to Sunday 3rd November 2024, through the island’s woodland.
During the October school half term, children can take part in a free interactive red squirrel trail, where they will discover fascinating facts and participate in squirrel inspired games. The trail runs daily from Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024.
For local people, the National Trust is hosting a community day on Saturday 5th October 2024, where residents can visit the island, including boat travel, for free. This is an opportunity for those who wouldn’t normally consider going to Brownsea to find out more about the island.
The introduction of grey squirrels in the 1800s caused a dramatic decrease in the number of red squirrels in the UK
Brownsea Castle was originally built by King Henry VIII as a fort to protect Poole Harbour from invaders but has since been modified and rebuilt over the years
Cream tea at Brownsea Castle
The island is closed to general visitors from Sunday 3rd November 2024 for the winter but it’s still possible to visit for special events that are booked in advance.
Recently the National Trust has been working closer with the retail company John Lewis which leases the castle on Brownsea Island. It’s run as a hotel and training centre for its staff but with so much interest from visitors to the island, it has started to host part of a history walk.
Now for November 2024, it’s also possible to book a guided red squirrel spotting walk followed by a cream tea at Brownsea Castle. These will run every Thursday afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm, priced at £34.50 per person. The price includes the boat fare from the Sandbanks jetty.
National Trust visitor experience officer, Dawn Clark said:
“We are excited to be offering these autumn events to celebrate the changing seasons at Brownsea and we look forward to welcoming lots of visitors to the island to see the charming red squirrels.”
Further information
- Enquire at visitor reception on arrival for both the daily squirrel walks and half-term trail, no need to book in advance
- Normal admission prices for Brownsea Island apply, free entry for National Trust members
- More about Brownsea Island upcoming events
- Red squirrel walk and cream tea in the castle booking details
