Animal encounters and wildlife experiences in Sandbanks & Poole

From swimming with sea life and bird watching to encounters with rare red squirrels, here are the best ways to see Sandbanks & Poole's wildlife up close.

Enjoying the natural beauty, stunning scenery and habitats of the local area is such an essential part of what makes Sandbanks & the surrounding areas of Poole such a unique location to visit.

Luscombe Valley Nature Reserve

An oasis of calm and serenity bristling with nature in the heart of Sandbanks

Just before the main Sandbanks peninsula and through an old wooden gate, you’ll discover a paradise of Mother Nature. Luscombe Valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with diverse habitats and rare species.

Willow Warbler - Luscombe Valley Sandbanks

A rare Willow Warbler pays a visit

Cubs Beach & Haven Point

Just a long the beach from Sandbanks, there is a whole world below the lapping waves of Cubs Beach. With large rocks that stem the ocean, just beneath the surface, there lives a cacophony of sea life to discover.

Beauty beneath the waves at Haven Point

Brownsea Island

The Red Squirrels of Brownsea Island – one of the few places to find them

Brownsea Island is truly unique for it’s habitats and animals. It’s home to the now rare Red Squirrel but many other wonderful creatures to see and discover more about.