For my birthday the family very kindly treated me to a picnic on Brownsea Island. Marooned in the midst of Europe's largest natural harbour, Brownsea is a natural treasure.
Twenty minutes by ferry from Poole Quay, National Trust-owned Brownsea is an Enid Blyton hideaway - it inspired the Famous Five's adventures on Whispering Island. But it's perhaps best known as the birthplace of the Scout movement: in 1907 , Lord (then plain Major) Baden Powell brought a group of 20 boys here to take part in an experimental camp, living close to nature and practising practical skills he had learned in the army during the Boer War. It launched a global movement, and before the corona virus groups from 75 countries visited the island each year.
To ensure social distancing everyone visiting most book both their ferry ticket and admission pass in advance and you have to wear masks on the ferry even if outside. And you are only allowed a four hour visit.
Upon arrival we wander into the forest but it is only walking back to the ferry when Grandad spots a red squirrel - Brownsea is home to one of England's last colonies. Lots of friendly peacocks too, including a mummy and babies.
Despite its size - just one and a half miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide - Brownsea has wide-ranging habitat, from heathland to sheltered lagoons and woodland with more than 100 tree species. For kids, it's an adventure playground with a tree climbing route and a natural play area.
The tree trail at Brownsea is a climber's dream. With a trail taking you around the island and trees marked by a sign, it is easy to get a squirrel's eye view of Brownsea Island. There are some tricky ones and some easier ones and some that have fallen over and make great balance beams. You can also find out more about some of the different types of tree. Watch out for the Holm oak.
There is also a Play area made from natural resources and is designed so that children can try their hand at some of the balancing, climbing and jumping that the island's resident red squirrels can often be seen doing. The grandchildren absolutely loved their visit.
So many colourful characters have shaped the island. Henry VIII built the castle in the east (now leased by the John Lewis partnership as a hotel for its staff). I love the tale of Colonel William Petrie Waugh and his wife Mary, who bought the island in the 1850s thinking they'd found a source of high-quality clay and built a pottery, village and church, but fled to Spain bankrupt when the material proved substandard. There was bon vivant tobacco baron Charles van Raalte, who used it for holidays and insisted all employees played an instrument, and whose widow turned the whole place into a daffodil farm. In the 1920s came reclusive Mary Bonham-Christie, who banished all inhabitants and let nature take over. During the second world war the island served as a decoy for Poole, with pyrotechnics tricking Nazi bombers into targeting Brownsea instead.
What a great day out! Despite the weather being less than ideal, it's a real escape from reality. No shops at the moment so we took a picnic. Then on our return it was fish and chips, ice cream, birthday cake and bubbles. What more can a girl want?
Also spoilt with some beautiful flowers. Thank you everyone for a fabulous birthday.
I remember all 15!!!!!!!!!!
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