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  1. Explore Brownsea Island and see if you can spot a rare red squirrel © National Trust
    Explore Brownsea Island and see if you can spot a rare red squirrel © National Trust
  2. Keen birdwatchers can spot Peregrine Falcons on coastal cliffs © Peter Moore Photography
    Keen birdwatchers can spot Peregrine Falcons on coastal cliffs © Peter Moore Photography

You are here: Things To Do > Nature and Wildlife

Nature and Wildlife in Dorset

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Highlights

  1. Peregrine Falcon at Durlston Country Park, Dorset
    Best bird watching spots
  2. The beach and stone arch of Durdle Door in Dorset
    Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Dorset is blessed with two areas of outstanding natural beauty, covering more than half of the county with inspiring landscapes and a diverse selection of nature and wildlife.
  3. Durlston Country Park on the Jurassic Coast viewed from the air
    Nature Reserves and Country Parks in Dorset

Looking for a destination where you can see rare and endangered wildlife in their natural habitats? Pr enjoy all that nature has to offer? Then Dorset is certainly the place for you.

With over half of the county being Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no surprise that we have some of the best wildlife and natural landscapes found anywhere in the UK.

Dorset is a diverse haven which many different species call home, some of which are so rare that they can't be found anywhere else!

With all of our fabulous wildlife to enjoy, it really is a nature lover’s dream location to visit. So pack your binoculars and venture out into the great outdoors.

Get back to nature

Dorset is filled with country parks, nature reserves and wide open spaces where you can run free, breathe in fresh air and truly feel at one with nature.

The Blue Pool is surround by 25 acres of heathland and woodland in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck. The tranquil pool is ever-changing in colour, from blue to turquoise to green. Follow the sandy paths down to the waters edge and up to the viewpoint looking towards Corfe Castle.

Dorset also has a number of fantastic RSPB and Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves which give an incredible chance to see a wide variety of wildlife up-close within their natural habitats.

Best places for bird watching

Being located in the most southerly position in Dorset, the Isle of Portland's unique geology and climate are ideal for a wide variety of birds and animals. So, if you enjoy bird-watching of coastal or migratory birds, then it’s a great place to indulge your passion. Plus over half of Britain's fifty seven butterfly species can be seen on Portland, along with rare plants species only found in a handful of locations in the UK.

Some of Dorset’s other bird watching hotspots include Durlston Country Park’s coastal location on the Isle of Purbeck, the sheltered fleet lagoon found nestled behind Chesil Beach and Poole Harbour – Europe’s largest natural harbour.

Unique species

Red squirrels are very rare in southern England, only existing in small populations and Brownsea Island is one of those places. Surrounded by Poole Harbour, the water keeps grey squirrels at bay, meaning the endangered reds are kept safe and sound and can eat as many pine cones as they can manage!

Dorset's heathlands are an important part of a global resource and are home to all six of Britain's native reptile species. More sand lizards and smooth snakes are found on these heaths than anywhere else in the country. It is also home to the extremely rare lady bird spider, so rare in fact that it was thought extinct in Britain until it was discovered in 1980 and is now being re-introduced to a small corner of the county.

Get up close and personal

There are always interesting events and courses taking place across the county, giving you the opportunity to learn from an expert or get close to wildlife without disturbing or damaging the environment. So grab your ID guides, binos and camera and get ready to be amazed.

Abbotsbury Swannery is home to the only managed colony of free-flying mute swans in the world that visitors can walk among. During the nesting and hatching period (end May-end June), it is possible to stand next to hatching eggs and see the very cute sygnets getting used to family life.

Unleash your inner Chris Packham

If you’re a fan of BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch, why not visit BadgerWatch Dorset and star in a nature documentary of your own!

From the hides, thrill at the sight of badgers emerging from their setts and foraging for food.

The area is floodlit for perfect vision and visits from other wildlife such as owls, foxes, rabbits and bats add to the spectacle.

Stay a little longer

With all of this available right here in Dorset, we hope that we’ve given you more than enough reason to visit.  

We're got a great selection of accommodation to stay over or places to eat out in-between wildlife watching.

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Number of results: 37

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  1. Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island

    Add Brownsea Island to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 2407 reviews2407 reviews

    Brownsea Island

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    POOLE

    A beautiful island with wonderful views, history & wildlife including rare red squirrels and birds, and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

    Price Free to £44.50 Per Ticket
  2. Cygnets at Abbotsbury Swannery hatch mid-May to end-June

    Add Abbotsbury Swannery to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1342 reviews1342 reviews

    Abbotsbury Swannery

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection

    ABBOTSBURY

    CLOSES 01/11/2020 FOR THE SEASON UNTIL SPRING 2021, DATE TBA
    The Swannery is now open for pre-booked ticket holders. You can book tickets online, indicating date and time of arrival. Visitor numbers are limited to 60 people per hour to ensure…

    Price Free to £10.00 Per Ticket
  3. Enjoy a cycle ride at Moors Valley

    Add Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1268 reviews1268 reviews

    Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    RINGWOOD

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    To inject a sense of fun into your family days out then head to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest to get active in the outdoors and have yourself a family adventure. You are sure to find something for everyone.

    Children of all ages will love…

    Price £1.60 to £72.00 Per Ticket
  4. Badger Watch Dorset

    Add Badger Watch Dorset to your Itinerary

    Badger Watch Dorset

    Type

    Type:

    Animal Collection

    Dorchester

    Badger Watch Dorset has now re-opened - booking essential. From our hides, thrill at the sight of badgers emerging from their setts and foraging for food. The area is floodlit for perfect vision and visits from other wildlife such as owls, foxes,…

    Price £15.00 Per Ticket
  5. Durlston Country Park

    Add Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1143 reviews1143 reviews

    Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    SWANAGE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    Durlston Castle and Country Park, situated 1 mile from Swanage in Dorset, is a fabulous 320 acre countryside paradise and National Nature Reserve, consisting of sea-cliffs, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows, hedgerows and woodland.

    With…

    Free
  6. Autumn colours at Sherborne Castle and Gardens, Dorset

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    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 536 reviews536 reviews

    Sherborne Castle and Gardens

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    Type:

    Historic House/Palace

    SHERBORNE

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    Public open season from 1st April 2021

    Built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594 and the stately home of the Digby family since 1617. Walk in the footsteps of SIR WALTER RALEIGH in the home he built more than 400 years ago. Take a leisurely stroll around…

    Price Free to £9.00 Per Ticket
  7. Thornecombe Woods

    Add Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 28 reviews28 reviews

    Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Woods

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    DORCHESTER

    Discover more about Thomas Hardy's early life at the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre. The Centre is located on the edge of Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve and a short walk from Hardy's Cottage. Thorncombe Woods is home to a great diversity of…

    Free
  8. Knoll Beach and Studland Bay

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    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1315 reviews1315 reviews

    Studland Bay

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    STUDLAND

    The National Trust car parks are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach from 9am to 5pm. Toilets are open at Shell Bay, Knoll Beach and Middle Beach. There are limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another…

    Free
  9. Avon Heath Country Park

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    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 139 reviews139 reviews

    Avon Heath Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    RINGWOOD

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    A mosaic of glorious heathland and forest, laced with waymarked trails and picnic spots, together with a visitor centre, play equipment, cafe and gift shop.

    Free
  10. Lulworth Castle, Dorset

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 424 reviews424 reviews

    Lulworth Castle & Park

    Type

    Type:

    Castle/Fort

    EAST LULWORTH, Wareham

    Awards

    • Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020We're Good to Go

    Welcome to Lulworth Castle and Park, situated at the heart of the privately owned Lulworth Estate. Follow the fascinating story of the castle and the inspiring past of its dedicated owners. Discover breathtaking views over the Dorset countryside…

    Price Free to £6.00 Per Ticket
  11. RSPB Weymouth Wetlands

    Add RSPB Weymouth Wetlands to your Itinerary

    RSPB Weymouth Wetlands

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    WEYMOUTH

    Weymouth is very lucky to have two top class nature reserves in the centre of town. Radipole lake has always been a favourite place for wildlife enthusiasts. Lodmoor is where you can encounter a vast range of bird species.

  12. Chesil Beach fishing

    Add Abbotsbury Beach - Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon to your Itinerary

    Abbotsbury Beach - Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon

    Type

    Type:

    Beach

    Nr Weymouth

    A shelving beach made up of pebbles and shingle, popular with both local anglers and families for mackerel fishing.

  13. Nature Reserve, Conservation, walks

    Add Purewell Meadows Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Purewell Meadows Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Wildlife Site

    Purewell, CHRISTCHURCH

    Purewell Meadows is a nature reserve with four hectares of public open space, most of which is grasses and sedges but there are also a large number of flowering plants. These include Ragged Robin and Devils Bit Scabious.

    Free
  14. Wareham Forest in Dorset

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    Wareham Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Forest

    WAREHAM

    Walk or cycle through heathland and forest by Morden Bog National Nature Reserve: one of the largest valley mire habitats in England. Numerous picnic benches and a waymarked walk. Cyclists welcome on 2 metre paths or the Sika Trail - a 7 mile family…

    Free
  15. Eggardon Hillfort (photo credit National Trust)

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    Eggardon Hillfort

    Type

    Type:

    National Trust Property

    BRIDPORT

    Eggardon Hill is an iron-age hillfort which, arguably, has one of the finest views of any hill-fort in the county.

    Free
  16. Stanpit Marsh, Mudeford, Dorset

    Add Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    Stanpit, CHRISTCHURCH

    Stanpit Marsh is situated on the north side of Christchurch Harbour, just below the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour. The Marsh is home to over 300 species of plants, 14 of which are nationally rare and endangered.

    Free
  17. View from flats to east side of Kimmeridge Bay

    Add Kimmeridge Bay to your Itinerary

    Kimmeridge Bay

    Type

    Type:

    Natural Feature

    Kimmeridge, WAREHAM

    Kimmeridge Bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset.

    Free
  18. Wareham Walls

    Add Wareham Walls to your Itinerary

    Wareham Walls

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    WAREHAM

    The Walls are Saxon ramparts which surround the historic town of Wareham. Paths on the walls give good views of the River Piddle and town, and link into the ‘Bowling Green’ open space. Walks leaflet from Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Wareham.

    Free
  19. Lambert's and Coney's Castle

    Add Lambert's and Coney's Castle to your Itinerary

    Lambert's and Coney's Castle

    Type

    Type:

    National Trust Property

    BRIDPORT

    The car parks at Lambert's and Coney's Castles are open. There are limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time. Walk in the footsteps of previous generations along these ancient hill forts.

    Free
  20. Seating Area

    Add Steamer Point Nature Reserve to your Itinerary

    Steamer Point Nature Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Country Park/Nature Reserve

    Friar's Cliff, CHRISTCHURCH

    Steamer Point is a 24 acre cliff top designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) that is situated between Highcliffe Castle and Friar's Cliff on the Christchurch coastline. It comprises of woodland, aquatic habitats, flora and fauna.

    Free
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