Brownsea Island wildlife walk
This walk cuts through mixed and pine woodland at the centre of the island.
Path next to church
Start the walk from the path to the right of the church and walk in the opposite direction from the quay.
In spring and autumn, this is a good place to see red squirrels as they feed on sweet chestnut and beech tree nuts. Carry straight along this path.
Red squirrels must gain over 10% of their body weight to survive the winter. They're best seen in autumn when foraging for nuts. They can tell if a nut is rotten by its weight. Pine trees are particularly important for red squirrels and you'll often see chewed pine cones on the woodland floor. There are no grey squirrels on Brownsea even though they're usually better adapted to survive in this type of woodland than red squirrels. There are more than 60 types of tree to be seen including oak, beech, holly and ash.
Pass the Vinery and turn left at the Whispering seat, and continue through ideal red squirrel territory, with mature Scots pine trees on your left.
Keep your eyes peeled
As well as a number of other bird species, look out for goldcrests in the woodland distinguished by a bright yellow stripe on their head, they tend to live high up in the canopy. They're the smallest European bird and have a suitably small call more of a high-pitched squeak. Here is an example of a nest.
Pass the lily pond and at the top of the hill and take the next path on your left sign posted to the Visitor Centre and quay.
There are over one-hundred tree species on Brownsea, most planted since the 1700s by a succession of owners. Brownsea has mixed woodland comprising mainly pine and native hardwood trees such as oak, beech, rowan and hazel. There is still some Rhododendron here, as in other parts of the island, although we are working to eradicate them as they have a very negative effect on the island environment including preventing young trees from establishing. The pine woodland here is regenerating and a succession of different aged trees are required to ensure a continuing supply of pine nuts, an important food source for the squirrels.
Follow the path and on your right you will see what remains of the daffodil plantation which was established in the early 20th century by the Van Raaltes who were the owners at the time.
On average 750 bunches of a dozen flowers each were picked every night during the season with workers receiving ten pence for every ten bunches. The daffodil business ended when Mrs Van Raalte left the island but bulbs kept producing flowers; even today green shoots appear in spring, although now the flowers are nibbled by deer.
At the farm buildings turn left which brings you onto Church Field and the back to where you started.
On church field , you may come across some of the islands most colourful inhabitants; the peacock. Their principle purpose was ornamental: the male is famous for his fan of long iridescent tail feathers.
End: Path next to church, grid ref: SZ022876
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