D

uring the Second World War, Brownsea Island was given the frankly rubbish job of acting as a decoy for German bombs in order to protect Poole and Bournemouth.

But rather than the resulting bomb craters being an eyesore, they have become a sanctuary for wildlife - now that’s what we call a silver-lining.

Located in the picturesque Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is a great place for a day out. In a few hours, you can observe heaps of fascinating wildlife, locate the perfect picnic spot, and even explore the history of scout and guide movement (Lord Baden-Powell led the first Scout camp on the island back in 1907).

Be sure to have your camera at the ready as you make your way through the woodlands and across grassy fields. You never know when a Sika deer might skip into sight or an endangered red squirrel scurry up a tree.

If you like to indulge in the odd spot of bird-watching then dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers all make their homes on the island. As well as a small ornamental population of peacocks who are more than happy to show off their impressive plumage.

We think you’ll agree it’s not your conventional bombsite.