The RSPB: Arne

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Autumn
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Weather today

26°C

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Plan a visit

Visitor reading leaflet at RSPB Arne nature reserve

Backlit Dartford warbler at RSPB Arne nature reserve

Sunset over heathland at RSPB Arne nature reserve

Female southern hawker laying eggs at pool

Roebuck sprinting, RSPB Arne nature reserve, Dorset

Arne

Wildlife awards

Arne is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK.

Important notice

A stretch of path from the Dragonfly ponds at Shipstal point to the double decker hide will be closed for at least 2 weeks starting from 15 May. This is to install a new mobility scooter friendly path. The hide remains open and there is alternative access to it. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the rest of the reserve trails are open as normal.

Top things to do in Spring

Take an amble along the heathland trails - from April onwards is the best time to see sand lizards and smooth snakes
Look out from the viewpoint across Poole Harbour and watch the first summer visitors such as Sandwich terns and swallows arriving
Stand and absorb the spring birdsong. The melodies of woodlarks and Dartford warblers come from the heath, and calls of nuthatches and warblers merge with the drumming of woodpeckers in the woods

Top things to do in Summer

Explore the heathland at dusk from June onwards and listen for 'churring' nightjars
Picnic by one of the wildlife ponds and watch the colourful aerobatics of dragonflies and damselflies
Wander around the heathland trails and soak up the colours as the heather flowers in a mass of purple

Top things to do in Autumn

Watch ospreys fishing from the Coombe nature trail during September and October, refuelling for the long journey to Africa
Around Arne Farm and woodland, listen out for the strange cries of the sika stags as they lay claim to their territories
Explore the trails for fungi and marvel at the shapes and colours

Top things to do in Winter

Settle yourself in at Coombe nature trail hide at low tide and watch the sights and sounds of hundreds of avocets and black-tailed godwits feeding out on the mud
Explore Arne Farm and watch large flocks of chaffinches, linnets and reed buntings feeding on the arable crop and redwings and fieldfares feeding on the pasture
Stroll around Shipstal Point and be amazed by the thousands of waterbirds in Poole Harbour; you have a good chance of seeing the spectacular spoonbills

What's on?

24 May to 28 June
Birds, binoculars and biscuits - all part of the wild walk at Upton Country Park
Course, class or workshop
25 May
Plant your own mini wildlife pot with the RSPB at Knoll Gardens
Hands-on activity
26 May
Butterfly bingo with the RSPB at Luscombe Valley
Watching wildlife

More events...

Visitor comments

Absolutely stunning - have been visiting near Swanage for over 30 years and never knew about Arne. The golden colours of autumn, glorious sunshine, clear blue skies, deer roaming freely, Poole Harbour in the distance. We enjoyed the 'long' walk and will return. Wonderful.
Richard Leach

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