RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

A variety of trails on the Arne peninsula, featured in BBC wildlife programmes

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Distance: 2 to 4 kms

Total Ascent: 30m

Difficulty: Easy

Situated on a remote peninsula projecting into Poole Harbour the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest consisting of an area of open heathland, salt marsh and ancient oak woodland. Important bird species found here include the Dartford warbler, nightjar, woodlark and on the mudflats the spoonbill. Arne is also home to the sika deer and is one of the few places in the UK where all six of the UK’s native reptiles can be found. Due to its wildlife importance Arne has featured in BBC’s Countryfile and Winterwatch programmes.

The Arne Nature Reserve has created a number of marked walking trails that are illustrated in the map accessed by the web link, ranging from 1 to 2 hours in duration. There are five walks in the Shipstal Trails area that take you in the direction of the harbour and Shipstal Beach, and two walks on the heathland in the Coombe Trails area with views back towards the Purbeck Hills and Corfe Castle.

The Arne Nature Reserve has a visitor’s centre, shop, toilets and cafe but check on their website to see what is open, particularly during the Covid-19 restrictions. To access Arne from Swanage, take the A351 from Corfe Castle to Wareham and turn right opposite the Halfway Inn pub. Continue on this road, with Hartland Moor on the right, and at the Arne Road T-junction turn right. Continue on Arne Rd until you reach the Nature Reserve car park (marked on the map – free for RSPB members, otherwise £5).