FOR BIRDERS it's the ultimate trip - 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.

Trips will include the chance to land on Brownsea Island - an opportunity normally denied to the public between November and January.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the island's seasonal tranquility as well as observe the lagoon, which hosts a wide range of waders and wildfowl. There will be a number of experts 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. Large numbers of birds of prey can also be seen including marsh and hen harriers, peregrine falcons, and merlins.

Visitor Experience Manager on the island, Olivia Gruitt, said: "Out on the harbour you can expect to see the red-breasted merganser, great northern diver and goldeneye with the chance of other grebes, divers and ducks making an appearance.

"On the island it’s not just the abundance of wading birds that are adraw but you can also find a healthy population of firecrests and red squirrels in the woodlands," she said.

Bookings for Brownsea Bird Boats can be made on 22 and 24 November, 8 and 10 December, 6, 10 and 20 January and 3 February 2019. They are available online at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island/features/poole-harbour-bird-boats- or by calling 0344 2491895