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

You are here: Things To Do > Nature and Wildlife

Nature and Wildlife

Search Things to Do

Highlights

Best bird watching spots
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.
Nature Reserves and Country Parks in Dorset

Looking for a destination where you can see rare and endangered wildlife in their natural habitats? Or 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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 37

, currently showing 21 to 37.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

WAREHAM

Arne is celebrated for its lowland heathland, which is rare in Europe, and its wildlife including Dartford warblers, nightjars, all six species of British reptile, plus many species of butterflies, dragonflies, and moths.

Free
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
Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and Reserve

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

Weymouth

At the start of the Legacy Trail, the Lorton Meadows Reserve has fantastic views down the Lorton Valley Nature Park, and across Weymouth Bay to Portland. It has a lovely variety of meadows, woodlands and hedgerows with plenty of wildlife to look…
Badbury Rings

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

WIMBORNE

Badbury Rings is an Iron Age hillfort in east Dorset. The site dates from around 800 BC and was in use until the Roman occupation of 43 AD. Now forming part of the Kingston Lacy estate, and under the guardianship of The National Trust, the site has…

Free
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
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
Spyway

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

SWANAGE

Towering sea cliffs and grasslands rich in wild flowers. A distinctive limestone landscape on the South Coast where sea birds soar and rare orchids hide among rich grasslands. Centuries of stone quarrying have left their mark in the form of sea…

Free
Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Portland

Managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the centre's exciting displays and programme of activities will help you make the most of your visit to Chesil Beach and Portland.

Free
Hambledon & Hod Hills

Type

Type:

National Trust Property

BLANDFORD FORUM

Hambledon Hill is a National Nature Reserve and one of Dorset's most impressive Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts. The hilltop is encircled by an Iron Age earthwork and there are extensive Neolithic features, making it a major archaeological…

Free
St Catherine's Hill Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

CHRISTCHURCH

The highest area of land in Christchurch is also part of the largest and most significant area of heathland in the Borough providing habitat for rare species such as the Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard.

Free
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.
Nea Meadows Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

A small quiet Local Nature Reserve (LNR) which has a lake, wildlife pond, woodland and two wildflower meadows with over two hundred and fifty species of flower.

Free
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
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
Mude Valley

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Mudeford, CHRISTCHURCH

An urban wildlife corridor made up of Mudeford and Peregrine Woods, including a variety of natural habitats - woodland, grassland, the river and associated wetlands. It includes amenity areas and is surrounded by extensive urban development. The…

Free
Radipole Lake Nature Reserve

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

WEYMOUTH

Radipole Lake is a quiet ‘wildlife oasis' in the heart of Weymouth and a great place to get close up with nature. Look for otter prints, go pond dipping and visit the bird hides.

Free
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.

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Follow Visit Dorset

thank you

Download our Guide

thank you

Know Before You Go - Covid-19 information We're Good To Go Dorset, Know before you go town centres, Repect, Protect and Enjoy Dorset,	Things To Do Family Friendly, The Jurassic Coast, Dorset Beaches, Dog Friendly, Beach Safety, Fossil Hunting, Be Coastwise, Harbours, Shopping, Active and Outdoor , Families & Children, Heritage & Culture, Animals & Farm Parks, Gardens & Parks, Tours & Boat Trips, Food & Drink Experiences, Entertainment & Arts, Nature and Wildlife,	Accommodation Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering, Self Catering Agencies, Dorset Holiday Cottages, Caravan & Holiday Parks, Campsites, Glamping, Pubs & Inns, Eco Friendly, Farm Stays, Group Friendly, Dog Friendly, Accessible, Gradings & Awards,
Shopping Home delivery and online shopping, Keep it local, Markets, Antiques and vintage, Arts and crafts, Clothing and accessories, Food and drink, Shopping areas and retail parks,	Food & Drink Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Coffee Shops, Afternoon Tea, Farmers' Markets, Local Produce, Celebrity Chefs, Food Events, Food & Drink Experiences,	Ideas & Inspiration Special Offers, Visit Dorset Blog, Top 10 Ideas, Dog Friendly, Eco-friendly, Short Break Ideas, Film & TV, History & Heritage, Dorset Weddings, Dorset Videos,
Explore Jurassic Coast, Areas To Visit, Villages, Coast and Beaches, Countryside, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),	What's On Festivals, Food & Drink Events, Art Events, Music Events, Nature Events, Sporting Events, Submit Event,	Visitor Information Brochures and Guides, Maps, Tourist Information Centres, Travel Information, Group Travel, Litter Free Dorset, Accessibility, Social Media, Contact Us,
Home

Industry

Nature and Wildlife

Accommodation

Things To Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Search Things to Do

Highlights

Get back to nature

Best places for bird watching

Unique species

Get up close and personal

Unleash your inner Chris Packham

Stay a little longer

Number of results:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Type

Type:

Search Accommodation

Search What's On

Search Food & Drink

Follow Visit Dorset