The Lookout opens on Brownsea Island offering stunning views of the Lagoon

The National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust on Brownsea Island are thrilled to announce the grand opening of The Fine Foundation Lookout, a new state-of-the-art wildlife observatory and the gateway for visitors. Brownsea opens for this season from Saturday 15 March 2025.

This stunning new facility offers breathtaking views over the Lagoon, which is home to many different bird species that both nest and feed in this tranquil haven. The building is nestled amongst trees and is designed to age gracefully into the natural surroundings and not cause any disturbance to wildlife. Visitors will be encouraged to explore and appreciate the island's natural heritage, from its lush woodlands and beautiful beaches to its vibrant wetlands.

The Lookout was commissioned as part of the Dorset Wildlife Trust Wild Brownsea project developed in partnership with the National Trust. Dorset Wildlife Trust has led the development of new facilities for visitors to Brownsea including The Lookout, new boardwalks, and improved access to the bird hides.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Brian Bleese said: ‘We are delighted to welcome visitors to The Lookout where they can immerse themselves in the rich birdlife of Brownsea Lagoon and discover more about the island’s remarkable wildlife. The building’s innovative design allows visitors to truly connect with nature. Despite the challenges of building in such a remote location with all materials needing to be transported to the island by boat, the dedication of our contractors and suppliers, and project team, turned this exciting vision into reality and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their hard work and commitment.’

National Trust Visitor Experience Officer, Dawn Clark said: ‘We are so excited to finally unveil this wonderful new visitor facility. It is a beautiful starting point for our visitor’s island adventure.’

The project was made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund together with generous funding from The Fine Foundation, the National Trust, as well as Dorset Wildlife Trust members and supporters.

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