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Arne RSPB Reserve

Dorset  >  United Kingdom

A stunning landscape of heathland, ancient woodland, and saltmarsh, situated on Poole Harbour and within the Dorset Area of Natural Beauty.

Added* by Antoinne Sterk
Most recent update 7 decembrie 2023

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 Silvie de tufiș 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 Codalb, which are seen very often from the reserve.

In summer, the reserve is a hunting ground for Uligan pescar 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 Ciocîntors and a large number of Lopătar.

Other rare birds you can see here include Sitar de mal, Erete vânăt in winter, and Erete de stuf.

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.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Moors/heathland , Wetland , Lake , Mud flats , Grassland , Beach , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring , Summer , Winter

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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