In this short film, Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore visits the new Shepherds Huts on The National Trust’s Brownsea Island in Dorset.
The historic campsite at Brownsea Island within Poole Harbour can now offer two Shepherds Huts for a very different camping experience.
The island has a mixture of woodland, heathland and reedbeds plus lakes and a lagoon of international importance for overwintering and summer-nesting birds. It is also famous for red squirrels, sandy beaches and shallow waters on its southern and western shores.
Brownsea is criss-crossed with walks and trails taking in wildlife, views and great picnic spots, and activities for all the family in a place with natural playgrounds and even an area for building dens. You can also kayak or paddleboard at the watersports centre.
The island getaway is 20 minutes from the mainland by ferry from Poole Quay yet it feels a world away and offers an escape with no traffic or light pollution plus remarkable sunrises and sunsets. It is possible to reach the island on your own boat with advance notice, but most guests arrive on the ferry from Poole.
It is a 20-minute walk to the campsite area where you can not only stay in the new Shepherds Huts but can also camp in bell tents. The island offers various camping experiences including simple pitches and shared camp kitchens and was the home of the very first Scout camp back in 1907 so is an important place for the Scouting and Guiding movement started by Lord Baden Powell.
111 Places in Poole That You Shouldn’t Miss
£5.99
Discover Animals is a small team dedicated to bringing you the latest conservation and nature news. If you enjoy our content, please support our work with a donation from as little as £1.
