Wild Isles

Bluebells in the forest with sunset - inspired by Wild Isles

Wild Isles

Celebrating the wildlife of Britain and Ireland

We are fortunate enough to have some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes on Earth, right here in Britain and Ireland. And Dorset is certainly no exception, boasting species rich grassland, ancient woodland, pristine chalk rivers and magnificent marine habitat along the iconic Jurassic Coast - all teeming with wildlife! 

Now a fantastic series, BBC Wild Isles, has brought some of our most precious wildlife and habitats to our living rooms. Co-produced by RSPB, WWF-UK and the Open University, the series features several stunning locations cared for by The Wildlife Trusts.

If you have felt inspired by Wild Isles to get out and explore Dorset's incredible wild places - or to find out more about some of the creatures featured - we've pulled together a handy guide here to help!

Learn about the wonders of Wild Isles, found here in Dorset

Did you want to learn more about the incredible habitats and species featuring in Wild Isles that can be found here in Dorset?

Then you’re in luck! We’ve put together a series of blogs written by the people working to manage and protect them. Covering woodland, grassland, freshwater and marine habitats, our wardens and officers will be providing an insight into the wonderful wildlife they support, where you can find them across our nature reserves and the work involved with conserving these beautiful places.

Species spotlight

Fascinated by Lords-and-Ladies or enamoured by the white-tailed eagle comeback? You can find out more about the species that feature throughout the series right here.

See our full species guide

Episode Five: Marine

Episode Four: Freshwater

Episode Three: Grassland

Episode Two: Woodland

Episode One: Our Precious Isles

Get out and explore!

Many of the species and habitats featured in Wild Isles can be found across our beautiful nature reserves. If after watching, you're itching to get out and explore, then why not plan a trip to one of the 40 nature reserves we manage in Dorset?

Explore our nature reserves

View from Fontmell Down

Ben Atkinson / Fontmell Down 

Looking for ways to help?

Inspired by Wild Isles and keen to do your bit to help wildlife where you live? There are loads of actions you can take to attract wildlife to your garden or local greenspaces. We've shared a few ideas below, but for more visit our 'Actions to help wildlife' pages.

Actions to help wildlife