Arne is one of the few places in the UK where all six native reptile species can be found.
The reserve features significant remnants of ancient, undisturbed Dorset heathland, a habitat rarer than tropical rainforest.
The mudflats at Arne are internationally important for wintering spoonbills, which are increasingly using the site as a permanent base.
The site hosts a colony of sika deer, which were introduced to the area by a private estate owner in the early 20th century.
Arne is a central hub for the 'Birds of Poole Harbour' conservation project, which monitors regional bird populations.
The reserve’s landscape was historically used as a secret training ground for D-Day operations due to its isolated topography.
Spoonbills frequently nest and forage in the shallow waters, having moved from northern Europe to the UK in recent decades.
RSPB Arne is a premier nature reserve located on the edge of Poole Harbour in Dorset, distinguished by its rare combination of lowland heathland, ancient oak woodland, and saltmarsh. It serves as a vital sanctuary for all six of the UK's native reptile species, including the rare sand lizard and smooth snake. The site is one of the few places in Britain where the Dartford warbler resides year-round. Expansive mudflats within the reserve provide essential wintering grounds for thousands of migratory wading birds and wildfowl. Visitors can navigate a network of trails that offer varying perspectives of the harbour and the surrounding Purbeck landscape. The reserve manages active conservation projects, including the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to the region. Interactive displays and a visitor hub provide information on the site's ecology and ongoing habitat restoration efforts.
The Coombe Heath viewpoint offers an expansive panorama of the mudflats and the Purbeck hills in the background.
Bring high-quality binoculars as bird sightings often occur at a distance across the mudflats.
Check the tide charts before visiting, as bird activity on the mudflats changes significantly between high and low tide.
Use the hides provided along the trails for the best chance to view shy wildlife without causing disturbance.
Assuming all wildlife can be seen from the main paths; using the hides is essential for meaningful sightings.
Keep dogs on a short lead at all times to protect ground-nesting birds and avoid stepping off marked paths to preserve fragile heathland vegetation.
