What could be better than to spend Boxing Day with Helen, Mick and the dogs down at the RSPB reserve at Arne, in Dorset?
The reserve is stunning. Situated close to Wareham and overlooking Studland Bay, Arne provides a superb mix of habitat including open farmland, heathland, wildflower meadow & common land, marsh & estuarine environments. There are trails across the reserve that are beautiful to walk even if you're not particularly bothered about the birds! Sika deer run freely and fearlessly through the reserve, and, if you're lucky as we were, they'll even pose good naturedly by the boardwalks for you!!
We were walking out to the bird hides through the woods and were approached by a man who looked very seriously to be on a mission! He asked if we'd seen the stag by the path, as somebody had said one was just sitting under the trees there. We replied courteously that we hadn't but wished him well on his quest and said we'd keep an eye out for the stag. He looked rather disapprovingly at the dogs (who, it has to be said, were exceptionally well behaved and under tight control on the leads) and said that it was no wonder we hadn't seen the deer and intimated that we were most unlikely to!!
Shame he didn't turn back and walk with us as we rounded the corner, 'cos there it was, sitting quietly and placidly amongst the bracken, just watching the world go by.
Not caring a hoot for us or the dogs, the stag eyed us impassively and carried on munching, probably wondering what it was that was so fascinating about his particular tree that so many people had stopped and stared that morning!
The hides were a worthy excursion too, offering distant views of spoonbill and avocet,
and closer views of redwings hopping about the shore margins.
Hugo got so excited by the views, he decided to climb on to the window ledge and was all for jumping out... luckily we spotted his intention and rescued him before any damage could be done! As we were at least 20ft up in the upstairs hide, it wouldn't have been a very clever move on Hugo's part, as well as a rather unexpected flight for those watching from the windows of the downstairs hide!!!
Arne is so beautifully located in the Dorset countryside... a stones throw from Corfe Castle, and a short drive to Studland Bay, famous for sand dunes, kite surfers and, er, nudists!!!
Keeping our clothing firmly in place (well, it was a particularly cold & icy Boxing Day remember!!) we ambled along the shore and had a very tasty lunch in the cafe above the beach.
A lovely day out, perfect company, wonderful views and excitement about the coming New Year!
All was well, a very happy holiday indeed.
Rebecca, X
www.rtphotographics.co.uk
rebecca@rtphotographics.co.uk
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