RSPB Arne and Weymouth Wetlands

RSPB Arne and Weymouth Wetlands A wealth of wildlife in a beautiful setting. News, sightings and events from nature reserve and neighbouring RSPB reserves. Posts by the Arne team.

🌙🦅 Nightjars on the Dorset Heaths 🦅🌙Join us at Bird Fest at RSPB Arne o 5 & 6 September for a fascinating insight into o...
31/08/2026

🌙🦅 Nightjars on the Dorset Heaths 🦅🌙
Join us at Bird Fest at RSPB Arne o 5 & 6 September for a fascinating insight into one of Dorset's most mysterious birds at one of our "Spotlight talks" over the weekend. Brian Cresswell and Terry Elborn from the Dorset Nightjar Study Group will reveal the hidden lives of Dorset's Nightjars, sharing groundbreaking research using electronic tracking technology. Discover where these secretive birds go after dark, the surprising places they visit to feed, their incredible migration journeys, and the remarkable influence the moon may have on their lives.
Whether you're a keen birder or simply curious about the wildlife that calls Dorset's heathlands home, this promises to be a captivating talk packed with amazing discoveries and stunning insights into the nocturnal world of the Nightjar.
Our other More to discover at Bird Fest 2026
🎤 Hear from expert speakers throughout the weekend, including: Jack Baddams (BBC Springwatch) • Peter Robertson (RSPB) • Rob Farrington (Dorset Wildlife Trust) • Gen Crisford (National Trust) • Helen Likes Plants • Emily Henwood (BARI) • Brian Cresswell & Terry Elborn (Dorset Nightjar Study Group) • Paul Morton (Birds of Poole Harbour).
🔭 Try our free binocular and telescope demonstrations, with our friendly team on hand to offer expert advice.
📕 Jack Baddams book signing – meet the BBC Springwatch naturalist and get your copy of Birdtopia: A Miscellany of British Birds signed.
🎨 Browse beautiful wildlife-inspired art, jewellery, glass and metalwork from talented local artists and crafts people.
🍎 And don't forget to enjoy some delicious cider tasting in our café!
🎟️ Tickets only now only available for the Spotlight talks on Sunday.
click the link to book 👉 https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/170329

(photo a heathland landscape at sunset)
image credit Brian Cresswell/Terry Elborn

5 DAYS TO GO! What would you like to learn about at RSPB Arne's Bird Fest? From birds and beavers to nightjars, plants...
31/08/2026

5 DAYS TO GO! What would you like to learn about at RSPB Arne's Bird Fest? From birds and beavers to nightjars, plants and conservation, our Spotlight Talks bring together an inspiring line-up of wildlife experts for one very special weekend at RSPB Arne. And we are thrilled to welcome BBC Springwatch presenter Jack Baddams as our special guest!
Joining Jack will be: 🐦 Paul Morton – Birds of Poole Harbour 🦫 Gen Crisford – National Trust Beaver Project 🌿 Peter Robertson – RSPB Dorset Reserves – Arne Moors update 🐦 Emily Henwood – Birds of BARI 🌙 Brian Cresswell – Dorset Nightjar Study Group 🌿 Rob Farrington – Dorset Wildlife Trust
🌱 Helen Hutchings Cox – Helen Likes Plants 🐦 Tony Dobbs – local RSPB group
🎟️ Spotlight Talk tickets include entry to the reserve for both days, giving you plenty of time to explore Arne and enjoy everything Bird Fest has to offer.
📅 5–6 September
Don't miss this fantastic celebration of birds and wildlife. Book your Spotlight Talk tickets today!
Tickets only now only available for the Spotlight talks on Sunday.
click the link to book 👉 https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/170329

(photo Dartford Warbler on top of a flowering gorse bush)
image credit RSPB/David Lacombe


Todays Meet the Speaker focus for RSPB Arne's Bird Fest Spotlight Talks is on Paul Morton – Birds of Poole Harbour We a...
30/08/2026

Todays Meet the Speaker focus for RSPB Arne's Bird Fest Spotlight Talks is on Paul Morton – Birds of Poole Harbour
We are delighted to welcome Paul Morton , one of the co-founders of the Birds of Poole Harbour charity, to Bird Fest 2026 at RSPB Arne on 5–6 September.
Paul will be talking about an exciting new chapter in the recovery of Ospreys in Dorset. After breeding success was recorded for the first time in Dorset in 2022, Ospreys are now re-established in the county. The project continues to evolve year on year, with new breeding opportunities looking increasingly likely in the coming years – potentially including right here at RSPB Arne! 🦅
If you are fascinated by Ospreys and want to discover more about their remarkable return to Dorset, this is a Spotlight Talk not to miss. Start time: 11:30 Saturday 5
Paul is one of a fantastic line-up of speakers joining us across the weekend, including our special guest BBC Springwatch presenter Jack Baddams.
🎤 Hear from expert speakers throughout the weekend, including: Jack Baddams (BBC Springwatch) • Peter Robertson (RSPB) • Rob Farrington (Dorset Wildlife Trust) • Helen Likes Plants • Emily Henwood (BARI) • Brian Cresswell & Terry Elborn (Dorset Nightjar Study Group) • Tony Dobbs (RSPB South Dorset Local Group) • Gen Crisford (national trust)
🔭 Try our free binocular and telescope demonstrations, with our friendly team on hand to offer expert advice.
🎨 Browse beautiful wildlife-inspired art, jewellery, glass and metalwork from talented local artists and makers.
🍎 And don't forget to enjoy some delicious cider tasting in our café!
🎟️ Book your Bird Fest talk tickets today and join us for a weekend celebrating birds, wildlife and conservation. Your tickets also give you free entry to the reserve for the whole weekend! We have a few tickets still available for our Spotlight Talks, so book now to avoid disappointment!
📅 5–6 September 2026 📍 RSPB Arne
One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.
click the link to book 👉https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter[schedule]=9428

🌿 6 DAYS TO GO! 🌿One of the things we are most excited about at Bird Fest is our fantastic programme of Spotlight Talks ...
30/08/2026

🌿 6 DAYS TO GO! 🌿
One of the things we are most excited about at Bird Fest is our fantastic programme of Spotlight Talks – bringing together people who are passionate about birds, wildlife and conservation.
And leading the line-up is our very special guest Jack Baddams – BBC Springwatch presenter and naturalist! 🐦
Jack will be joined by:
🐦 Paul Morton – Birds of Poole Harbour
🦫 Gen Crisford – National Trust Beaver Project National Trust
🌿 Peter Robertson – RSPB Dorset Reserves – Arne Moors update
🐦 Emily Henwood – Birds of BARI
🌙 Brian Cresswell – Dorset Nightjar Study Group
🌿 Rob Farrington – Dorset Wildlife Trust
🌱 Helen Hutchings Cox – Helen Likes Plants
🐦 Tony Dobbs – local RSPB group
From birds and beavers to nightjars, plants and local conservation projects, there's something to inspire every nature lover.
🎟️ Tickets for the Spotlight Talks include entry to the reserve for both days, so you can enjoy the talks and still have plenty of time to explore Arne, visit our makers and soak up the views.
📅 5–6 September 📍 RSPB Arne
🐦 One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.
👉 Book your Spotlight Talk tickets today!
https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter[schedule]=9428
(photos 1 White Tailed Eagle 2 Beaver in brush and grass 3 Swifts in the sky.
image credits 1 RSPB/Les Carter 2 National Trust 3 RSPB/Ben Andrew


Did you know that one of the easiest ways to visit RSPB Arne is by catching the Purbeck Shuttle 200?Whether you are plan...
30/08/2026

Did you know that one of the easiest ways to visit RSPB Arne is by catching the Purbeck Shuttle 200?
Whether you are planning a wildlife-watching adventure, a relaxing walk through the heathland, or a visit to our café and shop, the shuttle bus takes the stress out of travelling and drops you right at the reserve.
🌿 Connects with trains at Wareham Station
🐦 Great access to one of Dorset's premier wildlife destinations 🚶 Ideal for walkers, birdwatchers and nature lovers 🎟 Includes discounted reserve entry
From the moment you step off the bus, you will be surrounded by stunning landscapes, from ancient woodland and open heath to breathtaking views across Poole Harbour.
🚌 The Purbeck Shuttle 200 runs every Wednesday until the end of December, with additional services on Tuesdays until 25 August and Saturdays until 26 September.
No need to book. Simply sit back, enjoy the journey and let the adventure begin when you arrive.
📅 For the full timetable, visit: https://ectcharity.co.uk/.../DCT_Service_2RN%2C_2023%2C...
💚 The service is supported by the Purbeck Community Rail Partnership, Dorset Council, RSPB and Perenco, and operated by Dorset Community Transport.

29/08/2026

What does it take to bring beavers back to the wild?
Find out at RSPB Arne's Bird Fest 2026 on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September with Gen Crisford from the National Trust's Purbeck Beaver Project. Gen will be one of our spotlight talk speakers on Sunday 6.
Gen will take us behind the scenes of the beavers' return to Purbeck, sharing the challenges, successes and future plans for this groundbreaking conservation project. With more releases planned this winter, there's never been a better time to learn about the role beavers are playing in nature recovery across Dorset.
📅 Gen Crisford - talk Sunday 6 September 🕜 1:30pm
Plus a whole weekend packed with inspiring speakers, wildlife walks, optics demonstrations, local artists, delicious food and cider tasting.
🎟️ Book your talks tickets today and enjoy free entry to RSPB Arne throughout the weekend.
https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter[schedule]=9428

Meet the Makers at Bird Fest! 🎨🐦One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.There will be plenty to see and...
29/08/2026

Meet the Makers at Bird Fest! 🎨🐦
One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.
There will be plenty to see and do at Bird Fest at RSPB Arne on 5–6 September, and we are delighted to be welcoming a fantastic group of artists and makers to our café garden. From colourful glass and wildlife illustrations to handmade sculptures and reclaimed metalwork, our makers share a passion for creativity and the natural world. Come along and meet: 🎨 Darren Allsopp – wildlife sculptures crafted from reclaimed materials. 🌊 Julie Hebdidge – vibrant fused glass . 🪟Linda Rowe – colourful fused and stained glass. 🌿 Lindsay Buck – nature-inspired handmade creations 🐦 Michelle White – beautiful paintings celebrating Britain's birds and landscapes ✏️ Pia Elliott – striking black and white wildlife illustrations
🧶 Vicki Harrison – delightful wool sculptures inspired by wildlife
And that's just part of the weekend! Explore RSPB Arne, join a wildlife walk, hear from conservation experts, meet BBC Springwatch presenter Jack Baddams, browse the stalls, enjoy our café and take in the spectacular views across Poole Harbour.
📅 5–6 September 2026 📍RSPB Arne
🐦 Bird Fest – One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.
We hope to see you there!
To find out more and book your tickets for our Spotlight Talks with conservation experts and special guest BBC Springwatch presenter Jack Baddams click the link below: 👉https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter[schedule]=9428

(photos a selection of images of artwork from our makers and crafts people)

🐦 7 DAYS TO GO! 🐦 The countdown to RSPB Arne's Bird Fest 2026 is officially on! And we're delighted that our very specia...
29/08/2026

🐦 7 DAYS TO GO! 🐦 The countdown to RSPB Arne's Bird Fest 2026 is officially on! And we're delighted that our very special guest for the weekend will be Jack Baddams – BBC Springwatch presenter, wildlife enthusiast and naturalist.
Jack will be joining us at RSPB Arne to lead an exclusive guided wildlife walk, share his passion for birds in a Spotlight Talk and meet visitors throughout the weekend.
He will be joined by a fantastic line-up of conservation experts and wildlife specialists, making this a weekend packed with opportunities to learn, explore and get closer to the wildlife we love.
Peter Robertson (RSPB) • Rob Farrington (Dorset Wildlife Trust) • Gen Crisford (National Trust) • Helen Likes Plants • Emily Henwood (BARI) • Brian Cresswell & Terry Elborn (Dorset Nightjar Study Group) • Paul Morton (Birds of Poole Harbour). Tony Dobbs (Local RSPB group)
🔭 Try our free binocular and telescope demonstrations, with our friendly team on hand to offer expert advice.
🎨 Browse beautiful wildlife-inspired art, jewellery, glass and metalwork from talented local artists and makers.
🎟️ Tickets are still available for our Spotlight Talks and guided walks – but don't leave it too late!
📅 5–6 September 📍 RSPB Arne
One weekend. One reserve. Countless wildlife experiences.
Click the link to book your talks tickets
👉 https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter[schedule]=9428

(photos 1 Group of people with Jack Baddams outside the cafe at RSPB Arne 2 Dartford Warbler on top of a gorse bush 3 People seated listening to a talk.
image credits 1 & 3 RSPB/Simon Bridge 2 RSPB/Les Carter

💚 Nature for Everyone at RSPB ArneAt RSPB Arne, we committed to helping more people connect with nature.Through the Coun...
29/08/2026

💚 Nature for Everyone at RSPB Arne
At RSPB Arne, we committed to helping more people connect with nature.
Through the Countryside Mobility scheme, our all-terrain Trampers make it possible for people with limited mobility to enjoy some of the reserve's most beautiful scenery, from heathland alive with birdsong to breathtaking coastal views.
Many visitors tell us that using a Tramper allows them to get closer to nature, spend quality time with friends and family, and enjoy parts of the reserve that might otherwise be difficult to access.
If you have been thinking about visiting Arne but are concerned about mobility, why not give a Tramper a try?
🌿 Fully trained staff and volunteers will provide an induction
🌿 Explore accessible routes around the reserve
🌿 Available to book online in advance
For more information and bookings, click the link below: 🔗 https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/167967
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may benefit from this service.

We were delighted to welcome the team from Wareham Library to RSPB Arne for a complimentary Hire a Guide experience, joi...
29/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome the team from Wareham Library to RSPB Arne for a complimentary Hire a Guide experience, joined by Andrew from Swanage News.
Wareham Library plays an important role in the local community, welcoming people of all ages and helping connect residents and visitors with a wealth of information, events and opportunities across the area.
It was a pleasure to share some of Arne's spectacular wildlife, beautiful landscapes and hidden corners with the team, giving them the chance to experience the reserve first-hand and discover what makes it such a special place to visit throughout the year.
These complimentary Hire a Guide experiences are all about strengthening connections with local organisations and businesses, helping them discover what RSPB Arne has to offer so they can confidently share it with the people they meet every day. By working together, we can encourage even more people to explore and enjoy the incredible wildlife and natural beauty of Purbeck.
A huge thank you to the team from Wareham Library for joining us, and to Andrew from Swanage News for taking the time to visit and share the experience with the wider community. We hope you all enjoyed your visit.
💚 If you are a local business, organisation or community group and would be interested in a complimentary Hire a Guide experience, we would love to hear from you.
📧 Please get in touch at [email protected]

Address

Arne Road
Wareham
BH205BJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

01929 553360

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RSPB Arne and Weymouth Wetlands posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to RSPB Arne and Weymouth Wetlands:

Shortcuts

Share

Category