England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Dorset

Explore these places for wildlife in Dorset. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Arne

Near Arne, near Wareham.

Habitat: Lowland heathland and oak woodland beside the saltmarsh and mudflats of Poole Harbour.
Wildlife to look for: Dartford warbler, nightjar (summer), spoonbill (especially autumn and winter), sika deer and silver-studded blue butterfly (summer).

02 / 05

Near Poole, with ferry access from Poole Quay.

Habitat: Woodland, heathland and reedbeds surrounding a coastal lagoon.
Wildlife to look for: Red squirrel (particularly good in autumn), common tern (spring and summer), sandwich tern (spring and summer), avocet (autumn and winter) and spoonbill (especially autumn and winter). Visitor note: Usually open March to October; check opening dates and ferry times before visiting.

03 / 05

Near Weymouth.

Habitat: Reedbeds, open water and wetland scrub in the centre of Weymouth.
Wildlife to look for: Bearded tit, kingfisher, water vole, otter and hobby (late spring and summer).

04 / 05

Near Toller Porcorum, near Maiden Newton.

Habitat: Traditional hay meadows and pasture with thick hedgerows, ponds and the River Hooke.
Wildlife to look for: Yellowhammer, linnet, marbled white butterfly (summer), ringlet butterfly (summer) and beautiful demoiselle (late spring and summer).

05 / 05

Near Hazelbury Bryan.

Habitat: Flower-rich grassland, blackthorn scrub and woodland on the edge of the Blackmore Vale.
Wildlife to look for: Brown hairstreak butterfly (July to September), white-letter hairstreak butterfly (summer), white admiral butterfly (summer), silver-washed fritillary butterfly (summer) and nightingale (spring and early summer).