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Arne RSPB reserve

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Coordinates: 50°40′59″N 2°02′24″W / 50.683°N 2.04°W / 50.683; -2.04
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Arne RSPB reserve
Viewpoint on the RSPB Arne reserve
Arne RSPB reserve is located in Dorset
Arne RSPB reserve
Arne RSPB reserve within Dorset
TypeHeath
LocationArne, Dorset, England
Nearest townWareham
Coordinates50°40′59″N 2°02′24″W / 50.683°N 2.04°W / 50.683; -2.04
Area5.634 square kilometres (1,392 acres)
Created1966 (1966)
Operated byRSPB
StatusSSSI
Websitehttp://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/a/arne/

Arne RSPB reserve is a 5.634-square-kilometre (1,392-acre) nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)[1] maintained by the RSPB and located in Dorset. It was notified as an SSSI in 1986[1] and the estuarine reedbeds within the site are designated as a national nature reserve.[2] The reserve occupies the Arne Peninsula, which protrudes into Poole Harbour. Adjacent to the site is the village of Arne, although the nearest major settlement is the town of Wareham.[3][4]

The reserve opened in 1966 and is chiefly lowland heath, noted for the rare heather known as Dorset heath (Erica ciliaris), and for its breeding Dartford warblers. It also has acid grassland, salt marsh and woodland, with reedbeds adjoining the mudflats of the harbour.[5] Other important species include nightjar, woodlark and, on the mudflats, spoonbill.[6][7]

Sika deer stag at Arne RSPB reserve

Over 500 species of vascular plant have been recorded on the reserve since 1966.[citation needed]

The reserve has a substantial herd of sika deer. Originating in East Asia, these animals escaped from deer parks during the 1860s and have now become naturalised, living on the heath and oak woodland of the site.[4]

Arne is renowned for its natural environment, and has been featured on the BBC's Countryfile and Winterwatch programmes.[8][9] Starting on Monday 29 May, BBC’s Springwatch broadcast from Arne over a 3 week period.

References

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  • RSPB Interpretation boards - viewed 29 April 2007
  1. ^ a b "Arne (SSSI citation)" (PDF). Natural England. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  2. ^ "Dorset's National Nature Reserves". UK Government. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  3. ^ Coombes, Mark. "The wild world on display – Arne". Dorset Life. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  4. ^ a b Collins, Fergus. "Arne RSPB Reserve, Dorset". Countryfile. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  5. ^ "Arne Reedbeds NNR". Natural England. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  6. ^ Mike Dilger, ed. (2009). RSP Where To Go Wild in Britain. Dorling Kindersley. pp. 138–9. ISBN 9781405342827.
  7. ^ Derek A. Ratcliffe, ed. (1977). A Nature Conservation Review. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 143. ISBN 9780521214032.
  8. ^ "Not a UFO - camera helps TV viewers get close to Arne wildlife". Bournemouth Echo. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  9. ^ Chris Packham and team back at Arne for BBC Winterwatch at www.bournemouthecho.co.uk. Retrieved 10 Feb 2017.
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