Arne Nature Reserve

Arne is a fantastic place for family walks at any time of year and there are regular children's days that enable all the family to learn about the unique nature of the heaths.

There is a variety of special wildlife to see including numerous sika deer. Also keep an eye open for Dartford warblers nesting in the heather, nightjars flying at dusk and as many as 22 species of colourful dragonflies.

The reserve overlooks Poole Harbour where you can watch thousands of wading birds, ducks and geese including avocets, black-tailed godwits and brent geese in winter. Ospreys are regularly seen on migration in late summer and in autumn.

Complete with seasonal nest cameras the information centre provide, a ‘nature table’ where visitors can find out more about the wildlife at Arne, a wood burner, information about the reserve, and a hot drinks machine where visitors can purchase drinks with all profits going back into the conservation work.