Swanage and Purbeck - Visit Dorset

Above and below
the water
Boat trips, kayaking and coastal
walks give access to limestone
cliffs inhabited by breeding birds;
you might also be lucky enough
to see dolphins. Be sure to try
out the Kayak Wildlife Trail at
Studland.
If you prefer to be in the water,
why not try snorkelling at
Kimmeridge Bay’s rocky
limestone reefs – there is a
snorkelling trail here in the
summer. Swanage Pier is also a
hive of marine activity and you
may see fish such as the tompot
blenny.
Looking for
something
different
Brownsea Island, the largest
island in Poole Harbour, is home
to endangered red squirrels –
best seen in the autumn when
foraging for food. You might also
see sika deer and a variety of
wading birds including avocet and
oystercatcher.
Many of the heathlands in Purbeck
are home to Britain’s native
reptiles, including the colourful
sand lizard and illusive smooth
snake. They are usually very
difficult to find and are protected
by law, so the best way to see
them is to join an organised
event.
It ’s not
only birds you
will see at the
RSPB Nature
Reserve at Arne
To find out more about the wildlife or heritage
of Purbeck, information on guided walks, talks
and boat trips, contact the Purbeck and
Swanage information centres
11
Sand lizard, Adonis blue butterfly, lapwing,
fallow deer, bee orchid