Brownsea island
Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, offering spectacular views across to Studland, Old Harry Rocks and the Purbeck Hills. It offers a peaceful, natural setting - ideal for walks, picnics and exploring. The island is home to nationally and internationally important wildlife, including rare red squirrels. Natural habitats include pinewoods, heathland, shoreline and lagoon - where breeding and overwintering birds collect. The island has a fascinating and varied history, including use as a daffodil farm, pottery works and a decoy to protect Poole in the Second World War.
The island which is traffic free is ideal for walks and picnics.
Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental scout camp here in 1907 and the island is now known worldwide as the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding. 2007 is the centenary of the scouting movement - 100 years since the first experimental camp on Brownsea Island. Activities are planned throughout the year