Arne Peninsula

Wildlife of the Arne Peninsula

Sika Deer,cervus nippon nippon, were originally introduced to England in 1860 from Japan, they have now spread to Scotland and Ireland. Their numbers are in abundance on the Arne peninsula and can be easily spotted without much effort at all. Adults have a bright chestnut coat unlike their young, which have a darker coat until maturity. All adults and older calves have a light coloured band running from between the eyes up towards the ears, this is the distinguishing mark of the Sika. Apart from the Arne peninsula, they can usually be found in pine forests and heaths. The incredible rutting call of the stag, which is primarily used to attract a hind in season, can be clearly heard from a great distance.

Although extremely rare, white albino sikas, like the one shown here, can be found throughout the Arne Peninsula.

Arne Peninsula

Arne is a long peninsula of land jutting out into the western section of Poole Harbour in Dorset. It is incredibly rich in wildlife, with many species found here being rare and endangered. This DVD takes you on a timeless journey through a year in the life of the deer and other wildlife found within the Arne peninsula.

The Arne DVD

Arne Peninsula

The Arne peninsula is situated on the edge of Poole harbour and about 4 miles from the ancient towns of Wareham and Corfe. Along the southern and western sides of Poole Harbour are extensive marshes, reed-beds and lowland heath which have been designated as internationally important wintering sites for waders and wildfowl. From the lookout hill near Shipstal Point there are extensive views from the Arne peninsula across the harbour to Upton and Hamworthy in the north, Brownsea Island in the east, Corfe Castle and Purbeck in the south.

Have a look at the Meridian TV interview when Debbie Thrower came to interview RMG Wildlife's cameraman 'Rod Goodhand' about his latest DVD 'Wildlife of the Arne Peninsula'. Filmed on location on the Arne Peninsula and also featuring footage from the DVD 'Wildlife of the Arne Peninsula.

Poole Harbour panoramic print available

Arne is a haven for wildlife and is managed by the RSPB. Many birds are to be found on the reserve, The Dartford warbler seen at all times of the year especially in the early Spring. Usually found perched high on the magnificent gorse, which abounds in the early part of the year. Woodpeckers, hobbies, cuckoos and nightjars can be seen on the Arne peninsula. Reptiles can also be found including the sand lizard, also our three snakes, which include the illusive smooth snake. During the autumn the Osprey can be seen around the harbour dropping in to feed on their way back from Scotland before wintering in Africa. Waders boost the population on the Arne peninsula during the winter; these include the Avocet with flocks of up to a thousand, which can be seen on the lagoon, on Brownsea Island. The Spoonbill is also a winter visitor and odd ones can linger on throughout the year. Arne is also known for its Sika Deer where close views can be had at all times of the year. September and October are perhaps the best times to see the deer at Arne, when the rut takes place. At this time they become very vocal and can be heard from a great distance away.

The Dartford Warbler, Sylvia undata, can be found in Arne. It is a typical warbler which breeds in the warmer parts of south west Europe and northwest Africa. Its breeding range lies west along a line from southern England to southern Italy. It is mainly a resident breeder, although somtimes there is some limited migration. Dartford Warblers were named for Dartford Heath in Kent, where the population became extinct in the early 20th century. They almost died out in the UK in the severe winter of 1962-3 when the national population dropped to around just 10 pairs. They recovered in some areas but numbers are once again on the decline. The Arne peninsula is one of the few remaining places that this warbler can be found.

The Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is a large wader. Adults have white plumage except for a black cap and black patches in the wings and on the back. They have long, upturned bills and long, bluish legs. They can often be seen along the shoreline of the Arne peninsula, wading in mud in search of food. This species became extinct in Great Britain in the 19th century. Its successful recolonization in the 1940s has led to its adoption as the logo of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).