RSPB Arne celebrates success of Hyde's Heath Project

RSPB Arne is celebrating the Hyde’s Heath Project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Beginning in 2019 the project is aimed at engaging local people with their heritage, especially those who are currently under-represented at RSPB Arne, including children and families, young people, and people with health and wellbeing needs.

Judy Wateridge task day at Lawsons Clump (Image: Rachel Martin)

Hyde’s Heath is an area of 67 hectares and connects RSPB Arne nature reserve with RSPB Arne Moors, as well as land managed by the National Trust and Natural England.

Rachel Martin, Hyde’s Heath project officer said: “Hyde’s Heath is a fantastic addition to RSPB Arne and it’s been great to see visitors enjoying this new part of the reserve.

"The project offered an exciting opportunity to work on a massive scale for wildlife and people. When the RSPB took over the management of Hyde’s Heath, it, through this project, and with practical help from local schoolchildren, families, local community, and corporate groups, together we have restored the site back to flourishing heathland. And helped to make this peninsula one of the most biodiverse places in the UK.”

Through this restorative work, the charity has been able to bring new groups of people to the reserve to learn about conservation first-hand and increase their awareness of the importance of heathlands for Dorset’s special wildlife.

Parent Baby group 5 (Image: Lindsey Death)

The RSPB created a new visitor trail around Hyde’s Heath, boasting stunning views across Wareham Channel and out towards Corfe Castle. Visitors can now enjoy sights of fishing Osprey, Hobby, Dartford Warbler, and sometimes White-Tailed Eagle.  

Rachel continued: “As part of the Hyde’s Heath Project the RSPB created a Purbeck wide volunteer programme.

"We worked with partners across the Purbeck landscape including, National Trust, Forestry England, Durlston Country Park, Upton Country House, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. And together designed a programme of practical conservation tasks for our new group of volunteers to take part in.

"Volunteers learnt a range of skills from dry stone walling, coppicing, cutting pine, and surveying. They have become ambassadors for the landscape, and many have gone on to volunteer for different conservation projects or taken on more responsibility within RSPB.”

Other highlights of the Hyde’s Heath project have included a programme of activities to connect people with the nature at RSPB Arne including Wellbeing Walks for NHS workers, a creative wellbeing course for people with health and wellbeing needs, lawn yoga, and family activities, such as parent and baby walks.

RSPB Arne 'Little Green Bus' (Image: Pam Bowyer-Davis)

The popular 2RN shuttle bus, which was operated seasonally by Dorset Community Transport and ran between Wareham and RSPB Arne, was also part of the Hyde’s Heath project.

This service resulted in 1,298 passenger trips. The ‘Little Green Bus’ helped people who couldn’t currently access the reserve. due to limited personal transport, to experience a special part of Dorset’s heritage in an affordable way.

35 per cent of passengers surveyed used the bus as they don’t drive or have access to a car and so would not have been able to visit the reserve without this service. The remaining 65 per cent of passengers chose to leave their car at home, benefiting the environment.

Rachel continued: “The project has sparked new ways to help people learn about the importance of heathland and actively play a role in enhancing and protecting it.

"My highlights have been the 2RN Shuttle Bus, promoting the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature, and inspiring volunteers who have never tried practical conservation, to try a taster day with us – some have ended up staying for years. It’s been a fantastic and heart-warming project to deliver.”