Sightings
Back in September we reported 4 White trailed eagles around Poole harbour. For the October update I am very pleased to announce we have 5 spotted in the harbour. Not least one from the new Rock Lea Viewpoint we spoke about last month.
As the clocks went back yesterday and Autumn is well upon us, the reserve is alive with mushrooms and fungi. Here are few of the beautiful specimens that have been spotted lately.
Shaggy inkcaps, Fly Agaric, Jelly fungus, Yellow slime mould
Stewart Milburn & David Blake
…And a lovely toad relaxing in the undergrowth.
David Blake
Conservation news
The warden team have been busy as always, we are well into the coppicing season and much effort has gone into helping with the Rock Lea viewpoint project.
Here are few images from cutting back the gorse. We cut on rotation and aim to remove the ‘leggy’ gorse. It has little value to wildlife and won’t make a cosy home for the Dartford Warbler over winter! By coppicing it, we encourage new growth that is denser and makes a better habitat for overwintering birds. It can get a bit spikey at times, but definitely worth it.
Hollymay Gladwin
We’ve also been doing some running repairs to Lytchett Fields and repaired a handrail across the pedestrian bridge. Great work team.
Ant Smith
A look ahead to what’s on next month
Discover RSPB Arne guided walks are running throughout November. They are taking place on 1st, 2nd, 8th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th & 30th November – all starting at 10:30am. Its £10 non-members and £8 members.
Nature tots – This month its Fabulous Fungi Activities! Taking place on 29th November.
Wild weekend - Join us for a FREE* family friendly event on the café lawn at Arne. This #WildWeekend focuses on Ivy. Come and learn all about one of the most ignored plants in your garden. you'll be able to pot up some ivy to take home and make yourself an (ivy) bee from recycled materials. Find out who relies on ivy and what lives on and in it! You'll discover much more than just ivy as well, with loads of information on late season pollinators and their importance to nature. *(Car parking charges apply for non-members).
Check out our full listings page here.
Volunteer News
This month we have a piece written by Peter Farrington. He’s one of the many amazing garden volunteers that helps to make the café garden such a beautiful place and alive with Nature.
Garden Autumn update October 2022
October is the time when the garden seems to be preparing for its winter sleep but in fact there is still plenty of activity.
We have been hosting a German wasp nest in the main flower bed and the workers are still to be seen going in and out, presumably feeding the larvae.
Meanwhile, a colony of European hornets have been harvesting the sap from our lilac tree which has been fascinating to watch.
Plants of the month in terms of continuing to attract pollinators have been the bog sage (salvia uliginosa) and red-hot pokers. It has also been fun to see the cistus flower for a second time this year!
A highlight this year has been the discovery that a female grass snake used the compost heap as a safe place to lay several clusters of eggs which hopefully led to successful hatching.
There have been some first sightings of invertebrates this year in the garden: philanthus triangulum (male beewolf), ectemnius continuus (digger wasp) and hemophilia triittatus (tiger hoverfly).
On a more practical front, the garden team is down to two teams of dedicated individuals, one on a Monday and one on a Tuesday and we are really keen to increase the number of regular garden volunteers to keep on top of things and to develop what the garden can offer to visitors and wildlife alike.
The garden team: Peter, Jan, Josh, Rob, Richard, and Frances.
Volunteering general
We are looking for volunteers who can help with all our visitor engagement activities, from welcoming people on arrival, to leading events and activities. Our events and activities are aimed at all age ranges from toddlers to families, new to nature and those who are already nature lovers. Click here for more info.
We are also looking for one-off volunteering for Pull a Pine on 3 and 4 December. Some of the roles include visitor management, heathland helpers, car parking and assisting in the crafting tent. Your help will grant you free entry and you take home a free tree. Contact arne@rspb.org.uk for more info.
The Pull a Pine festive weekend is back on 3 & 4 December
Join us at RSPB Arne, in one of the biggest conservation events in the country. Invasive pine trees, planted in forestry plantations, have taken over our heathland. We need your help to remove them, restoring the heath and saving the rare animals that call it home.
Get your wellies on, dig out your hats and scarves and join us for a wonderful festive day in nature.
Live Music | Our outdoor kitchen will be serving hot winter warmers | Stalls selling a range of local and festive wares | FREE festive crafting for the children | Partner stalls including Dorset Search and Rescue, Wareham Fire Brigade, Urban Heaths and much more…
Tickets will not be sold on the day. Advance booking is essential as this year spaces are limited.