Locations

Dorset and its surrounding counties are a fantastic destination for nature lovers. We have so many different habitats and unique geological sites including not only Europe’s largest natural harbour which includes Brownsea Island, a valuable sanctuary for many birds species and the elusive and rare red squirrel, but also Purbeck Heath, the UK”s first “super reserve”, one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK and is critically important to 450 species listed as rare, protected or threatened.

Throughout every season, Dorset has a wide diversity of birds and wildlife, due to its unique variety of habitats and nature reserves, managed by many leading conservation bodies such as the RSPB, National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and Butterfly Conservation. Depending on weather, tide times and the time of year we will visit many of these nationally important areas and reserves, with our experienced guides keeping a close eye on any rarities such as the red footed falcon that might and often do, turn up and where possible planning our schedule around these.

Purbeck Heath National Nature Reserve

Wareham, Dorset

Raptors & Nightjars

Unique Habitats

This nature reserve covers an area of approximately 8,200 acres and contains 11 different types of habitat which help support many endangered flora and fauna, including two fungi that are found nowhere else in England and Wales; roseodiscus formosus and the sand earth tongue. The area is home to Britain”s rarest damselfly/Odonata; the southern damselfly along with Dorset’s only colony of small pearl-bordered fritillary. Other highlights include the nightjar, Dartford warbler, woodlark and birds of prey such as Merlin, hen harrier and osprey which are all regularly seen.

Bird Species

  • NightJar (the summer highlight)

  • Dartford Warbler (a heathland specialist)

  • Woodlark

  • Hen Harrier (winter visitor)

  • Osprey

  • Hobby (one of Stuart’s favorites)

Rare Wildlife & Flora

  • Sand Lizard (one of the UK’s rarest reptiles)

  • Southern Damesfly

  • Smooth Snake

  • Marsh Gentian (A beautiful, rare blue flower)

  • Silver Studded Blue Butterfly

  • Heath Tiger Beetle

Ideal for photography: We find the best vantage points for the Dartford Warbler and the elusive Nightjar.

Poole Harbour: Coastal & Wetland Safaris

Boat & Land Based Tours

Apex Raptors & Waders

Europes’s Largest Natural Harbour

Poole Harbour is a world-class birding destination, offering a massive scale of wildlife spectacles from the secluded reedbeds of Arne to the open waters of Brownsea Island. One of our favourite excursions is a boat cruise where a whole host of species can be seen, from patrolling White-tailed Eagles and Ospreys to increasing numbers of Spoonbills. By combining land-based scanning with these water-based trips, we offer a unique perspective and get you much closer to the action.

Raptors & Predators

  • White-tailed Eagle

  • Osprey

  • Hen Harrier (winter visitor)

  • Marsh Harrier

  • Peregrine Falcon

Waders & Divers

  • Spoonbill (increasing numbers!)

  • Bearded Reedling (Bearded Tit)

  • Red-throated Diver

  • Goldeneye & Sea Ducks

  • Avocet & Coastal Waders

Harbour Excursions: We focus on using local boat cruises to provide the best vantage points for the harbour’s apex raptors and elusive reedbed specialists

Meadows & Chalk Downlands

Southern Damselfly Stronghold

Rare Orchids & Fungi

Best for Flora: May – July

Dorset’s chalk hills and wildflower meadows are famous for their variety, especially in the summer months. It’s common to see up to seven different types of orchid in flower at once, along with several butterfly species that are rarely found elsewhere in the UK. These tours are a great way to see the quieter side of the countryside, from the activity on our chalk streams to the colourful displays across the downlands

Butterflies & Dragonflies

  • Valezina (Unique to Dorset)

  • Chalkhill Blue

  • Small Blue

  • Southern Damselfly

  • Golden-ringed Dragonfly

Orchids & Flora

  • Early Purple Orchid

  • Bee Orchid

  • Pyramidal Orchid

  • Common Spotted Orchid

  • Yellow-rattle

Meadow Highlights: We help you find and identify Dorset’s rarest orchids and the many butterfly species that thrive on these chalk downlands

Dorset Heathlands: A Prehistoric Landscape

Best in Summer

All 6 Native Reptiles

Evening “Nightjar” Safaris

The lowland heaths of the South of England are among the rarest habitats in Europe. Dominated by gorse and heather, these sandy landscapes are a haven for specialized species that can’t survive anywhere else. On our heathland tours, we focus on the subtle sounds of the wilderness—from the mechanical ‘churring’ of the Nightjar at dusk to the high-pitched song of the Dartford Warbler darting between the gorse.

Specialist Birds

  • Hobby (summer visitor)

  • Spotted Flycatcher

  • Woodlark

  • Tree Pipit

  • Cuckoo

  • Redstart

Rare Reptiles & Insects

  • Smooth Snake (Extremely rare)

  • Adder

  • Sand Lizard

  • Slow Worm

  • Silver-studded Blue  (Butterfly)

  • Emperor Moth

The Reptile Capital: We track all six of the UK’s native reptiles

Southern Nature

Wildlife & Birding Tours

We want you to get the most out of your tour and the wildlife the season has to offer. We take the time to get to know you so we can develop a tour bespoke to you and/or your group