A walking spot in Dorset has been identified as one of the 10 most popular in the country for spotting wildlife.

The Dorset location is the subject of an incredible 18,000 Google searches each month, list compilers say. 

They say Brownsea Island is among the 10 most popular places to take the whole family for wildlife watching and a lesser seen resident of the small island is the main draw.

Walking shoe experts at FitFlop have looked for the walking spots with the most reviews across the AllTrails adventure app, Tripadvisor and Google, as well as those which have the most search volume on Google, to identify the 10 most popular places to go to spot wildlife.

The Dorset island, within Poole Harbour, is in esteemed company, with Richmond Park in London and the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands also making the list.

The island is well known for its red squirrels, the research from FitFlop found.

Dorset Echo: A red squirrel on Brownsea IslandA red squirrel on Brownsea Island (Image: Shazz Hooper)

It says: "Unlike its grey cousin, the red squirrel is considered to be an endangered species, with only a few places across the UK where they still call home.

"The entirety of Brownsea Island off the Dorset coast is a nature reserve, and due to the fact it is separated from the mainland by a stretch of sea, is home to a colony of 200 red squirrels.

"With over 18,000 Google searches every month, Brownsea Island is a popular destination for those looking to spend some time in nature.

"Keep your eyes peeled to the tops of the trees on your walk near St. Mary’s Church for the best view of the squirrels, or you can catch them at the feeders in the wildlife centre." 

Other wildlife hotspots making the list included Lundy Island off the Devon coast, Rutland Water in the East Midlands and the New Forest National Park in Hampshire. 

For more information on list compilers FitFlop, see : https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-walking-shoes-uk