At Arne, there's a bit of a raptor fest going on with ospreys, 4 white-tailed eagles, hobbies, marsh harriers, peregrine, goshawk, and buzzard all being seen around Poole harbour this month.
In other exciting wildlife news, we have just got the results of some wildlife surveys which has revealed a new population of the incredibly rare Southern Damselfly. This is excellent news for the species population across Purbeck.
Ben Andrew
Conservation news
The warden team cover all the sites for Dorset and September has been concentrating on sites away from Arne, working at Weymouth, Garston and Lytchett fields.
Shaun Robson
This is a new viewing platform at Lytchett Fields to give people views of Poole Harbour without venturing onto the saltmarsh and causing disturbance. As part of this project, fences have been realigned, allowing the grazing units to be extended and the ditch has been improved - creating more diverse habitats, suitable for a wider range of species, across the reserve. A Huge thanks to our funders Urban Heaths Partnership BARI and Wessex Water and, of course, the Lytchett volunteers.
Arne has also had some conservation work going on with heather cutting, this is an important aspect of heathland management to diversify the age structure of heather and without it would revert to scrub and woodland.
We’ve also had an ancient tree survey led by Sarah Spurling of Purbeck's Precious Past project.
A look ahead to what’s on next month
Halloween at Arne. This year we have Pumpkin carving in the café garden where you can select your pumpkin and we’ll be on hand with tools and ideas to make your own pumpkin masterpiece.
Also available will be our ever-popular half term trail. This season’s theme is hibernation Hibernation Trail - As Summer draws to a close and the cold creeps in, the animals at Arne decide it’s time to get cosy. Follow the trail round the habitats of Arne to see how each creature prepares for the cold.
Nature tots – This month its Awesome Autumn Activities!
Discover Arne walks – Running all through October mainly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Wild weekend - You will be able to build a cosy hedgehog home to encourage them to rest, hibernate and raise their hoglets in your garden. In the 1950s, there were an estimated 30 million hedgehogs in the UK. Recent estimates suggest there are less than a million left. Come a find out about their hibernation and all things hedgehogs. What to feed them and how to make your garden great for them.
Check out our full listings page here.
Book signing
Sophie Pavelle is joining us on Oct 27 at 1pm for a talk and Q&A session about her new book 'Forget me Not' . Why not join us for a relaxing chat about her book in beautiful surroundings in the Arne Shop and Café garden.
Copies of her book will be available on the day.
Click on the link for event details https://fb.me/e/2Qr6AtqO9
Café and Shop news
Christmas has arrived! There is an Early Bird deal on Christmas Cards. Our Christmas Products have a sustainability theme this year, helping you to celebrate Christmas without costing the earth.
As always we have a fantastic selection of optics with demonstrations and the ability to try before you buy. Everything from a first pair of youth binoculars to Advanced scopes.
The café is also having a makeover, with decorating currently well under way and some minor structural improvements to improve the whole café.
The shop will open throughout with business as usual, and refreshments can still be purchased form the shop and welcome area. Its just the café that will be closed for a few days from 3 October, until the works are complete.
Volunteer News
Terry Bagley
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 can 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.