RSPB Arne, Arne Road, Arne, Wareham, Dorest BH20 5BJ. Paid entry

Details

Accessibility

https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/rspb-arne

"RSPB Arne is a nature reserve which covers more than 565 hectares of the Arne peninsular in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. It is a stunning and mixed landscape which consists of lowland heath, ancient woodland, wetlands and farmland. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, inlcuding birds, all six of the UK's native reptiles, and spiders. Arne has many different walking trails to explore. A wide program of events are also held at Arne.

The reserve has a Shop & Cafe which are wheelchair accesible. Visitors with limited mobility are able to use the Accessible car park, which is closer to the trails, and/or the Shop & Cafe car park, which is closer to the Shop & Cafe."

"Our accessible toilet is situated in the café/shop. Our baby changing facilities, located in the shop, are open daily. We have 2 hides and 2 viewing screens in total. The Middlebere lookout and the outdoor viewing screens are wheelchair accessible."

Brief description

"On the banks of Poole Harbour is Arne, a sweeping nature reserve that teems with wildlife. Heathland, woodland, mudflats and wetland meet in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Dogs on a lead are welcome on the designated dog friendly trails on the reserve. Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here. If you require an ‘off-lead’ walk please see Dorset Council’s Dog walking areas: https://www.dorsetdogs.org.uk/out-about/ The nearest area to RSPB Arne is Bog Lane, near Stoborough.

The special surroundings at RSPB Arne are wonderful havens for rare wildlife so we’ve created designated dog-friendly routes for you and your pooch to enjoy. Even if dogs are very well behaved, wildlife and livestock can easily become startled by a loose dog they perceive as a predator. Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season. Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead.

Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the top Hyde’s Heath Trail, except assistance dogs due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here. Dogs are welcome on the dog-friendly trails on the rest of the reserve on a short lead. Dog water bowls and shaded tie-up area are available at the shop and near the welcome area. Sorry, dogs aren’t permitted in the visitor centre, shop or café other than assistance dogs. Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.

We don’t have a designated picnic area here, but you are welcome to bring a picnic with you to enjoy on your visit. Help keep this place safe and special for wildlife and people by taking your litter home with you. BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.

Our play area is very popular with families. It is located on the Dumbledore Trail of the nature reserve. There is den building, low ropes, a rope swing and climbing frame.

RSPB Arne are inviting schools across the county to visit our nature reserves to connect more young people to nature, and it’s FREE. Bring your classroom outside and explore the reserves through the delivery of our engaging and fun outdoor sessions.

Through the Countryside Stewardship scheme, we can provide a limited number of fully funded, free sessions. Contact us for details of our offer for schools: RSPB Arne are inviting schools across the county to visit our nature reserves to connect more young people to nature, and it’s FREE. Bring your classroom outside and explore the reserves through the delivery of our engaging and fun outdoor sessions. Through the Countryside Stewardship scheme, we can provide a limited number of fully funded, free sessions. Contact us for details of our offer for schools: arne@rspb.org.uk "

Address

RSPB Arne Shop and Cafe

Arne Road

Arne

Wareham BH20 5BJ

Email

arne@rspb.org.uk

Phone

01929 553360

Website

https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/arne

Directions

"What3Words: fetch.smashes.spun

Grid reference: SY97148776

From Wareham town centre, head south over the causeway to Stoborough. Travel through Stoborough, turn left onto New Road, signposted for Arne. 

Turn right at the cross roads in the village of Ridge, follow the road for approximately 3 miles to Arne, the car park is located on the right at the beginning of Arne village.

Our car park is open daily, 8.30am-dusk. 61 spaces + 5 Blue Badge spaces.  We also have a 4 space car park further into the reserve, reserved for those with access needs; permit available from the Welcome Hut in main car park. No height restriction barrier. No overnight parking or camping. Bicycle racks available.

The reserve is accessible by bike (please use ‘by road’ directions above). We have bike racks in the main car park and by the cafe.

The bridleway, which leads to Shipstal shoreline, is also accessible by bike. The Purbeck Cycleway passes within 1.5 miles / 2km of the car park. Click link for details: Cycling in Purbeck - Dorset Council. The Purbeck Cycleway passes within 1.5 miles / 2km of the car park. Click link for details: Cycling in Purbeck - Dorset Council. https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/sport-leisure/cycling/cycle-routes-and-maps/cycling-in-purbeck

Arne is 1.5 miles from the Sustrans cycle route 2. Route 2 - Sustrans.org.uk. https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/route-2/?msclkid=bc22b33dcd3011ecb8af16134640ffbe "

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/arne/charges

2024: "Our café is open daily. - 9.30am-4pm, 1 November-31 March. - 9.30am-4.30pm, 1 April-31 October. Our friendly team are able to provide allergen information. Our shop is open daily. "

Transport

2024: "Bus: The Purbeck Breezer bus number 40 stops at Stoborough Green, from the bus stop it is 3.3 miles (5.2km) to Arne. Head along New Road for 0.4 miles, then turn right onto Arne Road for another 2.8 miles. The timetable can be found here: https://www.morebus.co.uk/services/WDBC/40

During the summer (June - August) a shuttle service (2RN) is available from Wareham bus/train Station, Wareham, Ridge into Arne. Purbeck park (Norden) and rail links service run once a week.

Timetable can be found here: https://ectcharity.co.uk/dorset/welcome-dorset-community-transport

Wareham is the closest station (4.5miles / 7.3km from reserve). You can catch the bus from the train station (see 'by bus' for more details).

The timetable can be found here: https://www.southwesternrailway.com/travelling-with-us/at-the-station/wareham-dorset

Amenities

"Our baby changing facilities, located in the shop, are open daily

Our main toilets are situated in the café/shop. With an additional separate block located adjacent to the car park.

Our Welcome Hut is in our main car park amongst mature oak trees and berry rich hedgerows – perfect for wildlife! It is open daily, 9.30am-4.30pm. There is a large map of the reserve to help you get your bearing and a daily sightings board. Please follow all advice and signage in our Welcome Hut. Card payments preferred."