BROWNSEA Island is hosting a weekend of activities this Saturday and Sunday to celebrate 50 years since it was opened to the public.

From den building to trails, a menagerie of events and fun is waiting to be had on the island off Poole Harbour, this Saturday, May 18 and Sunday May 19.

Claire Dixon, Brownsea’s Visitor Services Manager, said: “We are celebrating this weekend with the launch of our tree climbing trail on the island – part of our list of 50 things for kids to do before they are 11 ¾.

“There will be other things for families as part of our campaign to encourage kids to get outdoors and enjoy nature.

“We have den building sites set up, bug hunting trails and of course bird watching – all part of our list, which is proving so popular across the country.”

The island came under the care of the National Trust after the previous owner, Mary Bonham-Christie, and in lieu of death duties, Brownsea was given to the Crown, who in turn donated it to National Trust.

It is one of the few places in the country where visitors have the opportunity to see a red squirrel, deer roam free, and a flock of birds can be seen across the wide area of peaceful land.

Brownsea contains woodland, beaches, lakes and heathland, offering first-time visitors the opportunity to visit an island, or look for treasure, which appear on the National Trust’s list of 50 things to do before turning 11 ¾.

In addition to the anniversary of it being opened to the public, Brownsea is also celebrating half a century since the Dorset Wildlife Trust started looking after the island’s nature reserve.