Christmas Special: Bird Boat Bonanza

Celebrate the conservation successes of the last year with Birds of Poole Harbour! Our 3-hour Christmas Bird Boat Bonanza will explore the harbour while enjoying the festivities, taking in the winter birding scene and making any final additions to those 2025 year lists. The trip will coincide with some low waters when nationally significant numbers of waders and wetlands birds will be out in force, foraging across the nutrient-rich mudflats. With the water drained out of the harbour's network of creeks and channels, open-water species such as grebes, sea-ducks and divers are restricted to the remaining open bodies of water, making them easier to find and watch.

All funds raised from our Christmas special trip will support the charity and of course, we'll have treats and drinks on board to get us in the festive spirit while looking back at the highlights of the last 12 months!

At Birds of Poole Harbour we pride ourselves on delivering a wide range of educational events, giving our guests different opportunities to learn about our work and our amazing landscape. With insights into bird populations and identification, as well as local species recovery and partnership projects, we hope to share our understanding of how Poole Harbour functions and supports its incredible birdlife.

Additional Information

• Boat trips depart from and return to Poole Quay boarding with Greenslade Pleasure Boats (orange-and-white kiosk) opposite the Lord Nelson pub
• Nearest public car park is Quay Visitors multi-storey car park, Old Orchard, BH15 1SB (please note there is a height limit)
• Toilet facilities, undercover seating and light refreshments are available onboard
• Tickets do no need to be printed as we will use a digital guest-list when boarding
• Dogs are not permitted, with the exception of assistance and guide dogs.
• Important information about accessibility: Please note that, due to the size of the boarding ramp and steps to access the lower deck of the boat, there are unfortunately some limitations for wheelchair users on our boat trips. Please read Greenslade Pleasure Boats full access statement before booking if you, or one of your party, are a wheelchair user. Information about carer's tickets can be found in our FAQs section.

• We will attempt with every effort to arrive back on time, but please note that due the state of the tides, weather or sightings we may arrive back up to half an hour later than originally stated.