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You are here: Things To Do > Nature and Wildlife
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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…
Country Park/Nature Reserve
RINGWOOD
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…
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,…
Country Park/Nature Reserve
SWANAGE
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…
Historic House/Palace
SHERBORNE
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…
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…
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…
Country Park/Nature Reserve
RINGWOOD
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.
Castle/Fort
EAST LULWORTH, Wareham
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…
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.
Beach
Nr Weymouth
A shelving beach made up of pebbles and shingle, popular with both local anglers and families for mackerel fishing.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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