FANCY seeing the bits of Brownsea Island that are normally closed off to the public?

You can if you get up early - and join the National Trust on a special walk taking place next month.

The early morning Lagoon Walk will see visitors exploring an area managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust and offer the opportunity to spy on feathery visitors from five hides that overlook the lake, lagoon and reed bed.

Reclaimed as pasture in the 1850s, the lagoon was allowed to flood in the 1930s, becoming a non-tidal brackish water area offering a sanctuary to a vast number of birds.

Brownsea Ranger John Lamming, said: "You should see shell duck in their droves herding their young and this year we’ve already spotted 84 pairs of sandwich terns nesting."

He's also spotted a couple of ruffs wading through the shallows and says Mallards and Grey Lag Geese will be in the area with their young.

There may also be the chance to spot the island's Sika Deer hiding in the reed beds with their fawns.

The early morning lagoon walk will take place on June 16, focusing on the nesting birds, and later in the year, on October 6, another walk will focus on bird arrivals and departures prior to the coming winter.

Afterwards walkers return to the island’s café to enjoy a hot drink and breakfast.

The boat departs from Sandbanks jetty to Brownsea at 7.30am and the trip costs £25 per person. Booking in advance is essential via the ‘What’s on section’ at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island.