Arne Reedbeds National Nature Reserve

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Overview

The reedbeds that form the Arne NNR offer a very special landscape of a vast expanse of open heathland and oak woodland on the shores of Poole Harbour. There is a variety of rare wildlife to see. In summer look out 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 thousands of wading birds, ducks and geese, including large numbers of avocets, black-tailed godwits and Brent geese,arrive in winter. Ospreys are regularly seen on migration in late summer and autumn, while the dainty white herons, the little egrets, can be seen throughout the year in Poole Harbour. Between May and July, listen out for the mechanical ‘churring’ of the nightjar drifting across the heather, while perky migrant stonechats scold from the tops of bushes and on posts and fences.

Location

Arne

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.