Dorset Wildlife
Hidden between the boundaries of this ecologically rich, biodiverse county lies an impressive portfolio of mammals, birds and reptiles - each with their own lives and quirks. You don't have to travel far to go wildlife spotting in Dorset, which is why I sat down with local conservation and wildlife enthusiast George Cartwright to find out about some of our area's very own animals thriving in wetland, heathland, and woodland alike, just waiting to be discovered.
OSPREY
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey are migratory birds, spending their winters in the warmer climes of West Africa, for which I cannot blame them. During spring and summer, these fish-eating birds of prey can be spotted hunting in Poole Harbour, with RSPB Arne providing the perfect setting to spot them fishing or soaring overhead. Look out for their dark brown and white plumage and striking yellow eyes.
SAND LIZARD
Lacerta agilis
Whilst very rare and strictly protected under UK law, the sand lizard is not considered endangered worldwide, with a much higher distribution across mainland Europe to western parts of Russia, China and Mongolia. Despite their UK-wide rarity, sand lizards can be spotted in heathland and coastal sand dunes across Dorset, particularly at the Dorset Wildlife Trust's Higher Hyde Heath nature reserve. Look for the bright green flanks of the males during their April/May mating season.
ATLANTIC PUFFIN
Fratercula arctica
Dorset may not be the first place you think of if you're hoping to spot some cute little puffins. But the Jurassic Coast is home to a small colony of these colourful birds who nest at Spyway near Langton Matravers on the Isle of Purbeck every spring, with Puffin chicks hatching in June and July. Clamber down to the Dancing Ledge during the early summer period and you might get lucky enough to witness the spectacle of puffins with bills full of sand eels - make sure you look out for their unmistakable red/orange bill.
EURASIAN RED SQUIRREL
Sciurus vulgaris
The red squirrel is the UK's only native squirrel, with localised populations few and far between due to the accidental introduction of the North American grey squirrel around the turn of the 20th century. Famously abundant on Brownsea Island, feeders have been set up in an area of mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland close to the island's National Trust wildlife centre.
COMMON KINGFISHER
Alcedo atthis
Take a stroll down the meandering River Frome on a still, clear day and you’ll have a good chance at catching a glimpse of some kingfishers, the orange and turquoise jewels in mother nature's crown. These guys can be seen perched atop a branch or diving headfirst for fish in the river near Wareham or at RSPB Radipole in Weymouth.
EURASIAN SPOONBILL
Platalea leucorodia
These wading birds use their spoon-shaped bills to hunt by keeping them submerged in shallow waters, tilting their heads side to side as they walk. Found in coastal wetlands and salt marshes across Dorset including at the Dorset Wildlife Trust's Lytchett Bay, you're most likely to spot spoonbills during autumn. They can be seen particularly prolifically from the Shipstal Point bird hide at RSPB Arne. Bring binoculars!
EUROPEAN OTTER
Lutra lutra
Despite their rarity across southern and central England, this large mustelid can be found in Dorset, with underground burrows ('holts') established near the Preetz Bridge over the River Stour in Blandford Forum. If you sit and wait quietly on the river bank during spring or summer, you may be lucky enough to see these charismatic fish-eaters. Listen out for their recognisable high-pitched squeaks.
SIKA DEER
Cervus nippon
Native to east Asia, sika deer were brought to Brownsea Island in the late 1890s with the vision that this is where they would stay. But who knew sika deer could swim? And swim they did, across Poole Harbour to colonise parts of Dorset. They can now be seen year-round all over heath and woodland in Purbeck, particularly around Studland and RSPB Arne. Their white-spotted summer coats are similar in appearance to fallow deer, so keep an eye out for their short, white tails, pointed antlers, and furrowed brows (which make them look permanently grumpy).
