We’ve had a wonderful month at Arne so far. We are all starting to feel the beginnings of spring and the warmer weather on the way. There have been many amazing sightings recently, including regular sightings of white-tailed sea eagles across the reserve. We all enjoyed Big Garden Bird Watch at the end of January and some of you have been sharing your amazing sightings from the weekend. Here at the Arne feeders, we saw at least 9 different species in just an hour.
Photos: Annie Parsons
The warden team have been very busy over the last few weeks, coming to the end of their winter habitat management tasks. Scots pine cutting and burning is a continuous effort at Arne and at nearby Holton Lea. Scots pine is not a native species in the south of England, and managing its population is an important part of allowing the heathland to thrive.
We also have contractors coming to Arne this week to cut back other non-native tree species in the Big Wood area near Shipstal beach. These include Sitka spruce and larch, which were planted by previous landowners in an area of ancient woodland. Native woodland provides a richer and more diverse habitat for many species including mosses and lichens, invertebrates, birds, and bats.
In more tree related news, we have been assessing the health of our woodland through veteran and sapling tree surveys. Due to grazing deer, our ancient woodland is currently lacking in new saplings and young native trees. The team are currently creating a plan to combat this issue and create more regeneration in our amazing woodland.
Photo: David Kjaer (rspb-images.com)
We are happy to announce that the Arne café is now open seven days a week. The popular breakfast baps are also on the way back, with all new vegan options. The café is hoping to offer even more vegan and gluten free options, including the new vegan Deluxe Hot Chocolate and various vegan hot meals, cakes, and snacks. We are all excited for the arrival of a full new menu in the coming months.
Photo: Vegan Deluxe Hot Chocolate by Annie Parsons
The Arne shop is already offering a range of new Easter goodies including Easter eggs. The new Viking Swallow scope has also arrived this week – an amazing lightweight and waterproof option with 20-60x zoom and an 80mm objective lens. If you’re interested in investing in some new binoculars or branching out into a scope, the shop will be running a free binocular and telescope demonstration weekend on the 4th and 5th March 10AM – 3PM.
It has been a fabulous February for events at Arne, including the return of the amazing women-only Full Moon Walks. Laura and the team were lucky to witness a very atmospheric and beautiful full moon over the water. If you’re interested in these walks, we have several more coming up in March, April and May. The March walk is now almost fully booked so get your tickets ASAP!
Photos: Laura Pringle
The Birdwatching for Beginners courses have been continuing at Arne, and the final session will take place in March. The Thursday group was incredibly lucky to see many birds of prey from Coombe heath – including a Hen Harrier, two Marsh Harriers, a Merlin and a Buzzard. They also saw a beautiful display of avocet on the Middlebere channel. We are hoping to run several more Introduction to Birdwatching experiences this spring so watch this space!
We have lots more exciting things coming up in March, so get the dates in your diaries!
Experience Arne through the eyes of one of our experienced volunteers. Get to know the landscape, species, and local history.
Join us to learn all about nesting birds and nest boxes. Put together your own box and take home the finished article.
Drop in for a special binocular and scope demonstration event at our RSPB Arne Shop.
Discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely created by women for women.
Nature Tots is a monthly nature group aimed at preschool children aged between 2 ½ and 5 years old. This month our theme is frogs!
Experience a different side of the reserve with one of our experienced volunteers.
Follow our family nature themed trail to learn more about animals and plants in the spring.
For tickets and more information visit: https://events.rspb.org.uk/arne.