IF you are of a whimsical turn of mind (or a fan of Beatrix Potter), you will think “Squirrel Nutkin” when you see this beautiful red squirrel. But you don’t have to go to Potter’s Lake District to see these enchanting little animals. You can see them on Brownsea Island, the National Trust property in Poole Harbour.

But you have just a month left before the island closes to visitors for the winter, on 3rd November.

 

Brownsea is one of the last remaining strongholds in the south for the native red squirrels and autumn is the perfect time to catch sight of one of these elusive animals – why not join one of the daily guided red squirrel walks?

Over half term, the National Trust is inviting families along to take part in an interactive red squirrel-themed activity trail – kids can try building a drey, and the pinecone toss game. Squirrel masks will be available for everyone to wear. Trail free, normal admission applies.

The final bushcraft workshops of the year are on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd November, with morning and afternoon sessions. Learn essential survival skills like wood carving, fire lighting, foraging, and shelter building. Each two-hour session is £10 per child, plus normal admission.

Dawn Clark, the trust’s visitor experience officer, says: “Autumn on Brownsea is really magical, we love watching children and adults kicking through the fallen leaves and seeing the excitement on their faces as they see a red squirrel for the first time.”

Listen out for the high-pitched eerie call of the island’s sika deer, who are in rutting season. These deer are more active at dawn or dusk but can sometimes be seen in small groups during the day.

The lagoon attracts a wide variety of over-wintering birds, including large numbers of avocet and spoonbill. Peregrine falcons can sometimes be seen hunting over the water and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a white-tailed sea eagle.

For those interested in learning more about the birds of Brownsea Island, there is an early morning birdwatching session with breakfast on Saturday 19th October from 7.15–10am.

Brownsea Island is open daily until 3rd November – for more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

All pictures © National Trust. Close-up of a red squirrel, photograph by Jess Dibden; red squirrel with chestnut, and mother and daughter in autumn leaves, photographs by Arnhel de Serra; spoonbill, photograph by Hanne Siebers.