Arne and Ridge. BH19                       

Population 1200

Between the Isle of Purbeck and Poole Harbour lies a strip of heath land. Here is situated what is left of the village of Arne. Evacuated during the second world war when the area was used as one of three decoy sites for the Royal Naval Cordite Factory, a large and important works located just across the harbour at Holton Heath. The purpose of the sites was to send up false smoke & flames to distract the bombers. The actual decoy site was located towards Banks Gate Cottages in the direction of Stoborough and a set of large Anti-Aircraft guns was mounted on the hill nearby.

Although some of the village has since been rebuilt the only remaining relic of bygone days is the small 13th century church of St. Nicholas built on the hillside by monks. The church is very simple, having no tower, and the nave and chancel are one. It still retains its original lancer windows and the view from the altar windows is probably the best in the village. The village name comes from the Saxon, Earn, which means 'a house'.

Today most of the area around Arne is controlled by the RSPB, being one of England's most important nature reserves, home of the often talked about, but rarely seen Dartford Warbler, a tiny bird with dark grey plumage above and russet beneath, it is the rarest of English birds. During the summer a nature trail is laid out for visitors, but much of the reserve can only be visited by special permission from the RSPB.

The nearby town of Wareham offers a good range of amenities including; restaurants, doctors surgeries, local and national shops.

Transport.

Good road links and station in Wareham.

Local Attractions.

Beaches of Swanage Poole and Bournemouth nearby. Tank museum, golf courses, monkey sanctuary. Fantastic walks on the Dorset coast path. 

Our View

Just off the beaten track this area is a well kept secret. Tucked away on the south side of Poole Harbour with the benefit of open gorse and heath many of the homes here have views towards the Purbeck hills.
 Well placed to enjoy some of the best walks that this end of Dorset has to offer with good local shopping and amenities at Wareham. You are able to walk through the Reserve to the harbour. Parking is available at the RSPB car park where there is a £2.00 charge (Free to members.) Lots of deer in the woodland with a hide for the serious bird watchers across the Poole harbour.