England

Brownsea Island

National Trust island in Poole Harbour, birthplace of the Scout movement and a stronghold for native red squirrels.

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Brownsea Island

Part of the England islands map.

Geography

Wooded island with heath, lagoon and saltmarsh. One of the few places in southern England with red squirrels.

Geology

Bedrock: Bracklesham Group And Barton Group (Undifferentiated) (Sand, Silt And Clay), Eocene–Eocene. Contains British Geological Survey materials © UKRI 2026, licensed under the BGS Open Data Licence (OGL v3.0). Source: BGS DigMapGB-625 Bedrock & Superficial WMS.

History

Robert Baden-Powell held the first experimental Scout camp here in August 1907. Owned by the National Trust since 1962.

How to reach it

Frequent passenger boats from Poole Quay and Sandbanks (March–October). No vehicles on the island.

Accommodation

John Lewis-run holiday flats and a campsite — booked direct via the operators.

Nearby and related islands

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-08-13.