A prime location for birdwatching with a mix of woodland and shoreline habitats.

Holes Bay has a paved cycle and walking route running between Poole town centre and Upton Country Park.

The bay is part of the Great Heath Living Landscapes project from Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Entrance

The nearest postcode is BH15 1PH. There’s a cycle and footpath starting at Asda and leading around the bay into Upton Country Park.

Parking

There is limited parking on roads near to the reserve.

Dogs

Dogs must be on a short lead when livestock is near and during the bird breeding season from 1 March to 31 July. At other times dogs must be under close control.

Habitats

Grassland, woodland and hedgerow scrub, with open tidal water, saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats at the adjacent harbour.

Look out for

Swans, geese, ducks and waders on the mudflats at low tide, with numerous flowers and insects along the shoreline in summer.