Nestled within the stunning landscape of Poole Harbour, Arne offers a unique blend of heathland, woodland, and wetland habitats.
Where is Arne?
This RSPB reserve is located on the Arne Peninsula in Dorset, situated on the southern shore of Poole Harbour, near the town of Wareham.
When to visit Arne?
As dusk thickens the sky above the purple haze of Purbeck heathland, so a bizarre sound issues from an isolated pine tree. The mechanical churring is the mating song of a male nightjar, a nocturnal bird that claps its rakish wings in display and hunts moths with its enormous mouth agape. As featured on BBC Springwatch in 2023, Arne is among the country’s finest places to see this remarkable summer visitor.
Arne’s peninsula protrudes into the expansive waters of Poole Harbour. Here, impressively sized birds provide eye candy:
- The smaller wheatear visits in spring. On Arne’s sandy, heathercosseted ground, where commas flit, similarly thrilling but less anticipated wildlife treats await.
- Spoonbills, avocets and black-tailed godwits gather in winter, ospreys have started to breed and white-tailed eagles loiter for months.
Arne is also one of Britain’s few remaining locations to host all six native reptiles:
In spring, prospects are high of bumping into grass snakes and adders, sand lizards and common lizards. Joining a guided walk should raise your chance of adding a sighting of the rare smooth snake and the unobtrusive slowworm.
Visitor information for RSPB Arne
Coombe Heath trail
One of several trails to explore, this has splended view towards the ruins of Corfe Castle. Keep your ears pricked for a woodlark’s viscous lullaby, sharpen your eyes to notice the nervy flit that betrays a Dartford warbler and scan peat-black pools for a raft spider – one of Britain’s largest arachnids – treading water.
And, as your route winds through well established oak woodland along Shipstal Trail, a herd of sika deer observes your arrival.
Looking for more inspirational days out?
Check out our guides to local highlights, including a walk around Arne, Corfe Castle and Purbeck - the UK's first super National Nature Reserve.
