Drove Island

Drove Island
Drove Island seen from Brands Bay
Interactive map of Drove Island
Geography
LocationPoole Harbour
Coordinates50°39′56″N 1°58′45″W / 50.665683°N 1.979217°W / 50.665683; -1.979217
OS grid referenceSZ0154085382

Drove Island is a small uninhabited island in Brand's Bay, Poole Harbour, in the county of Dorset, England. There are no buildings on the island and it consists of mostly marsh.[1]

The waters around the island are extremely shallow (usually around 48 cm) and it is only accessible by private boat.[2]

Drove Island lies within the civil parish of Studland. The parish was formerly part of the Purbeck local government district, but now forms part of Dorset unitary authority.[3]

Ecology

The island supports birds including seagulls, avocets, spoonbills, and black-tailed godwits.[4] These birds can usually be seen on the island. The seagrass around the island are nurseries for fish and shellfish due to the high mix of freshwater and seawater.[5]

References

  1. ↑ jcombe (2016-04-20). "Islands of Poole Harbour". Round the Island. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  2. ↑ "Poole Harbour in Poole | Visit A City". www.visitacity.com. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  3. ↑ "Harbour island is 'dream' location". 2007-11-09. Retrieved 2026-03-18.
  4. ↑ "Strengthened protection for Poole Harbour's unique range of wildlife". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2026-03-19.
  5. ↑ "Poole Harbour SSSI Dorset" (PDF).