Brownsea Island Today

Brownsea Island is the largest of 5 islands in Poole Harbour, Dorset. Once a thriving, self-sufficient community, it is now a thriving nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with a variety of habitats for wildlife, including woodland, heathland and a lagoon.

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The Island has been owned and run by the National Trust since 1962, following the death of its final and reclusive owner, Mrs Mary Bonham-Christie. It also hosts organisations including Dorset Wildlife Trust, Scouts and Girlguiding and the John Lewis Partnership.

 

Brownsea is open to the public from Easter through to the end of October half term every year, with selected winter weekend openings and events. Entry for National Trust members is free, otherwise there is an entry fee of £8.40 per adult, £4.20 for a child, and £21 for a family. Check out the National Trust Brownsea Island site here.

The Island is only accessible by boat from Poole Quay or Sandbanks. The boats are not run by the National Trust, so an extra fee is charged for the journey for everyone, including National Trust members.

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While the island is now predominantly a nature reserve, significant evidence of its long and fascinating past survives, if you know where to look. Take a look on the History Section of this site to find out more, and download a History Guide to take with you around the island on your visit. As well as my history guides, there is also a Visitors Centre on the island with other information about the island’s past and present.

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While this Project is not by the National Trust, they have supported it and have given permission for me to conduct my project on the island. I would particularly like to thank Olivia Gruitt and Janet Mellors for all they have helped me with.