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Average reviews rating is 4

(Based on 1 review)

Ranked 2 of 2 facilties in ranked in Dorset

Wow factor

rating is 4

Accessibility

rating is 3

Photo potential

rating is 5

Review

Brownsea Island

Directions: Brownsea Island is accessible only by boat from Poole Quay (Sandbanks). A half-hourly ferry operates during the season (01202 631828). Bus services are provided by Wilts & Dorset, the 150 Bournemouth to Swanage (alight at Sandbanks) and the 152 Poole to Sandbanks services. Poole mainline rail station is around half a mile from Poole Quay.
Accessibility: Island tracks are rough in places. Wheelchair users should contact the National Trust before visiting and contact ferry companies before travelling. Otherwise, trails are well maintained and hides are easily accessed.
Costs: £5 adults for ferry; concessions for children. Separate landing fee charged by the National Trust: £4.70 adults; concessions for children.
Best time to visit: March to October.
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Venue information

Brownsea Island is one of the main havens for red squirrels in the south of England. Photographing them requires patience and a medium telephoto lens (300mm), but photographers willing to spend the time are rewarded with great photos. The bird hides that look out over the lagoon are large and relatively low to the water but, as with many such hides, are often too distant for great photography with anything other than a long telephoto (500mm plus). A walk around the paths and tracks is likely to bring encounters with deer and peacocks frequent the NT HQ building. There are also some great views of Poole Harbour.

Venue verdict: A good location for enthusiast willing to invest some time, particularly if red squirrels are a priority.

Ratings (out of five): 3

Users' Overall Rating rating is 4(1 review)

  • Late spring early summer is the best time to visit.

    Astroroyal

    User's Overall Rating rating is 4

    Show Details

    Wow factorrating is 4
    Accessibilityrating is 3
    Photo potentialrating is 5

    The Island is a hive of natural activity both inside the nature reserve and out. I try to visit each year at this time and have never been disappointed. Red squirrels are easily photographed with a little patience. There are numerous types of sea birds and lagoon waders, all feeding their young. The noise is quite startling if one is not used to it. Dorset Wildlife Trust keep a well maintained reserve, which most of the general public do not use. If you are quiet and careful then the reward could be a shot of some lesser known wildfowl. The Peacocks will display their beautiful feathers and can actually be photographed in flight. Also if you catch the ferry from Sandbanks there is the famous chain ferry to shoot and the millionaires beach houses can be seen from the Island ferry itself. A very worthwhile visit if you are in the area.

    (Written by: Astroroyal)

    22 September 2008 23:14

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