The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Furzebrook Estate
Established in 1935 The Blue Pool Tearooms & Furzebrook Estate has been entertaining visitors for over 85 years! Now under new ownership, the management aim to take a respectful and sympathetic approach to this unique Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The reserve represents a fragile environment, recognised for its uniqueness and protected from exploitation well before global ecological damage became a public concern.
The Blue Pool
The Blue Pool was once a large clay pit where Purbeck Ball Clay was extracted. The colour phenomenon of its waters is caused by light diffracting from minuscule particles of clay suspended in its depths. (The lake does change colour depending on the weather / water levels!).
The lake is part of the 25 acre Furzebrook estate- a park of beautiful heath woodland and gorse. There are many lovely, scenic walks and wonderful views to discover on your visit.
A true gem in the heart of the beautiful Isle of Purbeck.
The Blue Pool Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With an abundance of flora and fauna. It is also a Visitor Hub for the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.
Arguably the most ecologically diverse area in the country. Animals, plants and insects thrive within The Pool grounds and throughout the Estate. Shy Dartford Warblers, perch in the yellow flowering gorse and rare Green Sand Lizards bask on the sandy banks, magnificent dragonflies hover over the lilies, while sika deer move silently through the thickets of rhododendron to gather among the birch groves. Wild squirrels keep a watchful eye on the buzzards circling overhead and you may even see a secretive badger.
The Furzebrook Estate
The Furzebrook Estate – Offers guided Nature Safaris. Join one of our experienced guides and gain an insight into this spectacular and unique landscape. Spot one of a number of very rare, endangered species including the Green Lizard and Smooth Snake. The Estate is wonderfully located across the Isle of Purbeck. National designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with hundreds or acres of heathland, woodlands, lakes and meadows.
Privately owned, please remain respectful of opening hours and footpaths, so as to ensure this Site of Special Scientific Interest remains unspoilt.
Re-wilding
Working hand-in-hand with likeminded organisations within the Isle of Purbeck, we aim to protect our wildlife and this wonderful nature reserve for generations to come.
We have introduced wild ponies for grazing, Mangalica pigs (wild-boar) to rotavate the soil and bees to pollinate.
The Totem Pole at The Blue Pool
Read about the local community project to create 14 foot totem pole at The Blue Pool in 2023.
