Explore the heathland, woodland, mudflats, and wetland to see wildlife such as Spoonbills and Dartford Warblers, before refuelling in the Café. Join us for guided wildlife walks and other events throughout the year with our large events programme.
Pack a picnic not a BBQ
In warm and dry weather, the risk of wildfire is high. Please do not light BBQs and make sure to dispose of any rubbish as these can be a fire hazard in hot and dry environments. Smoking is not allowed on RSPB Dorset nature reserves.
Please be advised that there may be alternative opening hours for the cafe and shop, so please do check before travelling to the reserve.
Arne is not only a brilliant Dorset bird watching spot, it’s also one of the few remaining places where all six of the UK’s native reptiles can be found. Situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, landscapes don’t get much more breathtaking than Arne. It’s a rich patchwork of habitats, home to a huge array of wildlife. Explore wide-open heathlands where reptiles roam, as well as ancient oak woodland humming with bird song, farm fields where Sika Deer stags rut and wetlands where Spoonbills wade. Still want more? How about discovering wading birds among the mudflats, watching Dartford Warblers darting about in the scrub, and spotting seals from the shoreline.
We carefully manage Arne's unique mix of habitats to create the ideal conditions for wildlife to thrive. As a threatened habitat in the UK, our lowland heath is of particular importance and many rare birds including Dartford Warblers, Woodlarks and Nightjars call it home. But it’s not just birds – Smooth Snakes, Silver-studded Blue Butterflies, Ladybird Spiders and Yellow Centaury (a rare heathland plant) can also be found at Arne.
We use a range of techniques to keep the heathland open, as it has been for thousands of years. A key part of getting this right is grazing, so don’t be surprised if you bump into cattle, ponies or pigs during your visit. Poole Harbour is also of international significance thanks to the vast numbers of winter waders and wildfowl, including very large numbers of Avocets.
A ramble through heathland and woodland will take you to the sandy shores of Shipstal Beach – a quiet refuge away from the busier parts of Poole Harbour.
Our car park is open daily, 8.30am-dusk.
61 spaces - 5 Blue Badge spaces.
We also have a 4 space car park further into the reserve, reserved for those with access needs; permit available from the Welcome Hut in main car park.
No height restriction barrier.
No overnight parking or camping.
Bicycle racks available.
Our accessible toilet is situated in the café/shop.
Our baby changing facilities, located in the shop, are open daily.
There are some wide, level pushchair-friendly paths with short routes at RSPB Arne.
You and the little ones can look for minibeasts in the woods, and take in the stunning views of the reserve.
Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire for people with limited mobility and for a small fee and after a short training session you are able to explore agreed Tramper routes and visit other participating sites across the South West.
The tramper can be booked here or through Arne Events in our 'About' section. Please email [email protected] to enquire or reserve
Our main toilets are situated in the café/shop. With an additional separate block located adjacent to the car park.
BBQ's are prohibited.
Dogs on a lead are welcome on the designated dog friendly trails on the reserve.
Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.
If you require an ‘off-lead’ walk please see Dorset Council’s Dog walking areas. The nearest area to RSPB Arne is Bog Lane, near Stoborough.
The special surroundings at RSPB Arne are wonderful havens for rare wildlife so we’ve created designated dog-friendly routes for you and your pooch to enjoy.
Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife and livestock can easily become startled by a loose dog they perceive as a predator. Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead.
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the top Hyde’s Heath Trail, except assistance dogs due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Sorry, dogs aren’t permitted in the visitor centre, shop or café other than assistance dogs. Dog water bowls and shaded tie-up area are available at the shop and near the welcome area.
Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.
In warm and dry weather, the risk of wildfire is high. Please do not light BBQs and make sure to dispose of any rubbish as these can be a fire hazard in hot and dry environments.
Smoking is not allowed on RSPB Dorset nature reserves.
Discover exciting events all year at Arne. Join us for an array of walks including; wellbeing walks, night wildlife guided walks and reptile survey walks! This summer you can join us for an adults only Big WIld Sleepout.
We know that Arne is a special place for many. If you or your loved one have shared happy memories there, you can make a donation to the reserve on our dedication page. It can be in celebration or in memory, and you can post an image along with your message.
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Protecting Hyde’s Heath is a project that has facilitated the long-term protection of Hyde’s Heath and its wildlife, whilst engaging local communities with Arne’s stunning heritage.