Wareham Meadows

Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.

Wareham Meadows sits within the Furzebrook Estate, nestled south of the Chalk Stream Rivers of the Frome and Piddle, both of which wind through the old Saxon town of Wareham on their silent way to Poole Harbour, the second largest harbour in the world.

Is there a Finer Habitat?

Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this landscape has also been recognised by the European Union as a Special Protection Area and classified as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

The patchwork of meadows, salt marshes, and reedbeds around Wareham supports a rich and diverse ecology. These meadows, situated alongside the shallow waters and mudflats of Poole Harbour, create vital habitats for wintering birds—providing essential roosting, feeding, and breeding grounds throughout the spring and summer months.

Birdlife at Wareham Meadows

Wareham Meadows offers rich and varied habitats that attract an impressive range of bird species throughout the year. Amongst others, you may spot:

Waterfowl and Wetland Birds

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Spoonbill, Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Snipe (Common and Jack), Oyster Catcher, Greenshank, Kingfisher, Woodcock.

Birds of Prey

Barn Owl, Buzzard, Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine Falcon Osprey (occasional sightings), White-tailed Sea Eagle (reintroduced to Poole Harbour)

Grassland and Farmland Birds

Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Pheasant, Stonechat

Swallows and Summer Visitors

Swift, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Chiffchaff, Reed Warbler, Cetti’s Warbler, Hobby

Woodland and Garden Birds

Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Goldcrest, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Blackcap

Corvids and Others

Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Raven

Although the Furzebrook Estate Meadows are in private ownership we hope to be able to offer guided walks in 2025.

“It’s hard to believe such a wild, ecologically rich habitat exists so close to civilisation—just half a mile from the bustle of Wareham Town. A quiet walk across the meadows on a stormy evening can feel otherworldly, as if stepping into a vibrant, unfamiliar world, surrounded by the haunting calls of rare birds and animals. Watch otters slip into ponds and ditches, or startle a Sika deer hidden in the reeds. As the sun sets over the Church of Lady St Mary, the sky comes alive with birds in flight. Leaving this place, you carry a deep sense of having been immersed in nature—restored, awakened, and alive. Nature heals and strengthens the soul."