BIRDWATCHERS now have the chance to view the winter birds spectacle around Brownsea Island. Normally the island is closed to visitors from November to January.

But now, in collaboration with the National Trust, Dorset Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, Brownsea Bird Boats are offering trips accompanied by an experienced guide from late November to early February.

A number of experts will also be at hand to help identify the birds and answer any wildlife questions.

More than 20,000 birds visit Poole Harbour each year to feed and roost. These include Britain’s largest over-wintering populations of spoonbills and the largest flock of avocets in the UK, many of which can be seen on Brownsea’s lagoon.

To book visit nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island/features/poole-harbour-bird-boats or by calling 0344 2491895