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Description
RSPB Arne is a patchwork of a huge array of habitats. Although the reserve is famous for it's dry and wet lowland heath you can also find ancient oak woodland, farmland, saltmarsh, reedbed, mudflats, scrub, wet woodland, acid grassland and even sandy beaches. This mix of habitats surrounded by Poole Harbour is one of the reasons the reserve is home to such a huge variety of species.
The dramatic open heathland is one of the best places to spot the Dartford Warbler all year round, and is one of the most important sites in the UK for them. The reserve also makes up part of the territory of a pair of reintroduced White-tailed Eagle, which are seen very often from the reserve.
In summer, the reserve is a hunting ground for Osprey breeding in Poole Harbour. In winter, the reserve is an important site for wintering and passage wading birds and waterfowl. Arne gets large flocks of waders including Avocet and a large number of Eurasian Spoonbill.
Other rare birds you can see here include Black-tailed Godwit, Hen Harrier in winter, and Western Marsh Harrier.
Details
Access
Due to its location, travel by bike (or car) is the best option. The RSPB also fund a shuttle bus from Wareham train station at certain times of the year.
The RSPB also run off-road Tramper Mobility Scooter hire, in partnership with Countryside Mobility, which you can hire for your visit, either at the welcome centre or online. There are toilet facilities inside the shop and café.
Park in the main carpark. Entrance for RSPB members is free. Non-members pay for entry - £5/adult, £2.50/child (5-17 years), but the first child over 5 years old is free. There is no parking charge during open hours – 9am – 4.30pm. Visitors outside these hours – pay £5 per vehicle, and can use the carpark machine. (There is no 'per person' entry charge before 9am and after 4.30pm as the visitor facilities are closed).
There are several different walking trails to choose from (including an easy access trail). Most of these routes are circular, and the longest route is about 2 hours, 3.7 km.