Another month at Arne, and Spring is moving forward at a rapid pace. The sound of birdsong on the reserve reminds us that warmer times are ahead, especially the distinctive call of the chiffchaffs. The curly green fern shoots are unfurling, and the hedges are covered in blackthorn blossom. We have also enjoyed the return of the osprey this month, and visitors have been lucky enough to see them feeding from Coombe heath. The reptiles are beginning to emerge too, with recent sightings of slow worms, common lizards and sand lizards.
Image: Osprey in flight carrying a fish. Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com).
Unfortunately, in the last few weeks we have dealt with the aftermath of the oil spill in Poole harbour, with oil washing up along a stretch of 400 metres on the Arne peninsular. Clean up operations have followed, as well monitoring the impact on our local bird populations. It will be many months before we know the potential long-term impact of the spill. On a positive note, we were all very heartened to hear from so many members of the public offering to volunteer to help with the clean-up. Although we are not in need of volunteers related to the oil spill, we are very grateful that so many of the local community are keen to help out. There are always lots of other volunteering opportunities with the RSPB, check out this link to find out what’s near you: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering-fundraising/volunteer/
Conservation News
The warden team has been busy this month with dead hedging, which is the process of creating woven fence-like structures out of woody material. At Arne we have been creating these dead hedges out of hazel wood, which has already been cut during routine coppicing at the Garston Wood reserve. Dead hedges make excellent natural barriers to protect the salt marsh here at Arne, where ground nesting birds can easily be disturbed by wandering dogs or people. Dead hedges can also create amazing habitats, including nesting spots for birds and food for insects. If you’d like to have a go at creating your very own dead hedge, check out this guide! https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/build-a-dead-hedge-for-wildlife
Image: a well-established section of dead hedge at Arne. This section is made of silver birch and pine, rather than hazel. Annie Parsons.
Café and Shop News
The shop and café have enjoyed a very busy few weeks over the Easter holidays, with the shop offering a range of Easter products. The café has been taking further measures to reduce its environmental impact, including reducing packaging waste and gradually increasing the percentage of organic products offered.
If you are interested in getting into Birdwatching upgrading your binoculars, the shop is running another free Binocular and Telescope Demonstration Weekend, from the 15th – 16th April.
Events Update
We have had another jam-packed month of events at Arne. At the end of February everyone had a blast making bird boxes for our feathered friends at our Wild Weekend event. Hopefully some of the boxes we made are already being put to use this Spring!
Photo: families enjoy making bird boxes in the café garden. Laura Pringle.
The ever-popular Women Only Full Moon Walks are continuing, and spirits were high this month despite a bit of rain. There is just one more full moon walk now until August, as the timing of the sunset in June and July is just a bit too antisocial. The May walk is already filling up fast so be sure to nab your tickets!
We have begun a new series of Birdwatching for Beginners courses this last month, offering a full day experience with lunch included. Participants on Saturday enjoyed the beautiful weather and had some amazing sightings. With osprey and eagles around regularly there’s always a good chance of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We have loved welcoming so many families this Easter holidays, many of whom have enjoyed our Signs of Spring Easter Trail, figuring out the clues to learn more about our reserve.
Image: family with a young boy and a puppy enjoy Shipstal shoreline. Annie Parsons.
What’s coming up?
Introduction to Arne Walks
Our Introduction to Arne Walks are now running on an ad-hoc basis according to volunteer availability. Please enquire at the Welcome Area when you arrive if you are interested.
15th – 16th April Binocular and Telescope Demonstration Weekend
Drop in for a special binocular and scope demonstration event at our RSPB Arne Shop.
Until 16th April - Signs of Spring Trail
Our Signs of Spring self-guided family trail finishes this weekend. From blossom to bugs, Arne is springing to life and full of new things to discover this season. Learn about our reserve and its many species in a fun and interactive way.
18th April – Nature Tots – Egg-celent Nesting Birds!
Nature Tots at RSPB Arne is a monthly nature group aimed at preschool children aged between 2 ½ and 5 years old. This session we'll be discovering how egg-cellent birds are at making nests - with just beaks and feet!
21st April – Forest Bathing
Run by Dorset Forest Bathing, come along to this relaxed and fun experience to find out all about forest bathing and how it can improve your physical health and wellbeing.
22nd April, 20th May - Birdwatching for Beginners
This spring at Arne we are offering a full day birdwatching course for beginners. Perfect if you want to learn more about finding and identifying the birds we have here at Arne or even in your garden at home.
22nd April - Family Bluebell Walk at RSPB Garston Wood
Join our expert guides for a guided walk around Garston Wood, carpeted in bluebells and wood anemone it really is a sight to behold.
1st May, 7th May, 13th May, 21st May - Not Quite the Dawn Chorus with Breakfast
Enjoy the magical symphony of the Dawn Chorus (almost) as well as learning to identify a range of our native and migratory songbirds by their calls.
5th May - Women Only Full Moon Walk
Discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely created by women for women.
For tickets and more information visit: https://events.rspb.org.uk/arne.