RSPB Arne
The RSPB aquired the site in 1965.
Walk The Dumbledore Trail to see wildflower meadows, The Seasonal Raptor Trail for osprey, hen and marsh harriers, The Coombe Heath Trail for views of Corfe Castle and Purbeck, The Hyde’s Heath Trail for the Dartford Warbler and the Shipstal Trail for sand lizards and sometimes even seals. There’s also a 30 minute easy access trail which loops you through silver birch and oak woodlands and past the dragonfly pond.
If you’re lucky you might hear a nightjar. If you’re even luckier, you’ll see one.
There are benches dotted around and several hides to spot wildlife from. Birds are regularly fed near the entrance, outside the cafe and also on the edge of Big Wood – if you want to get close to birds they’re great areas to stop at. You’re also likely to see grey squirrels there.
As well as wildlife, the views are amazing – you can look over Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island and you can see the ruins of Corfe Castle from the heath.
Arne has been the location for BBC Springwatch (2023, 2024), Autumnwatch (2016) and Winterwatch (2017, 2024). In 2025 it was again the location for Winterwatch, showing on BBC2 21-24 January 2025.
As a lasting legacy of the BBC broadcasts, a Springwatch mural was painted outside the RSPB cafe in 2024 by ATM Street Art. It features some of the key wildlife that can be spotted on the reserve.
RSPB Arne is famous as the only place in the UK where all six species of native reptiles can be found.
When the RSPB took over the site, there were only two pairs of Dartford Warblers. Now, through effective management of the gorse which the birds need, they’re thriving.
Arne has parking, toilets, a great cafe, shop and visitor centre. There are accessible pathways, and dogs on short leads are welcomed on specially designed dog friendly trails.
Location: Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5BJ. Entry fee (which includes parking) applies to non-RSPB members.
