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Hire A Guide at RSPB Arne

Hire A Guide for a unique and exclusive tour of RSPB Arne, tailored to your interests!

Our bespoke service offers upto 6 guests the opportunity to explore the nature reserve with a knowledgeable guide for upto 3 hours. We can tailor the tour to your interests, so you can experience the reserve at your pace. Perfect for families, small groups, wheelchair users/people with limited mobility (you can hire a Tramper too) and anyone wanting an insight into the unique wildlife and history of Arne.

We can provide walks on the following themes, but if you have an idea, please ask:

General nature walks, for all ages and interests, providing insights into species, habitats and conservation management.
Birding walks, ranging from beginners to advanced.
Historical walks, such as Arne through the ages and world War 2 impacts on Arne.
Survey walks, following specific routes to count sightings of particular species, such as reptiles, birds, dormice or botanical surveys.
Family activities, including nature walks, bug hunts, trees and shoreline scavengers.

Once purchased, Hire A Guide tickets are valid for 1 year. To book your Hire A Guide experience, please email arne@rspb.org.uk at least 4 weeks in advance of your requested visit date. Costs: £80* for RSPB members or £110* for non-members, including reserve entry.

(* Plus 50p booking fee).

Booking a Hire A Guide experience

Once you have bought a Hire A Guide ticket, please email arne@rspb.org.uk to request a visit date and topic you would like the walk to include.

Please include your name and booking reference - generated when you purchased your ticket.

Please provide valid phone numbers and e-mail as your visit confirmation will be sent via e-mail. We need a valid phone number (landline and mobile) in case we need to get hold of you urgently to update you with changes/cancellation. Thank you for your co-operation.

Customer Experiences

Recent feedback from Hire A Guide visitors on social media/email:

Owen - "Great morning at @RSPBArne brilliantly guided by Sam. Amazing to see Smooth Snake leaving me just one British native reptile to see."

Sue - "Thank you for arranging our guide Terry. We had a brilliant walk and learnt so much. We would thoroughly recommend this walk to everyone."

Karen - "Thank you Sam for a wonderful guided tour. It (the osprey) was definitely one of the highlights of the the tour and really made our silver anniversary a treat. Highly recommend!"

(photos below by volunteers Richard & Paula.)

COVID Security

Our experiences at RSPB Arne follow the latest government guidance on COVID-security.
Social distancing will be maintained throughout the experience.
Hand sanitiser will be available for use.
Please ensure that you follow the most recent government guidelines.

Data Protection

IMPORTANT: We respect your privacy and will not sell your personal data to any third party. Any personal data you provide here is collected and used only for the purposes of booking this event. Your details will only be used by this event's RSPB co-ordinator and will not be shared with anyone else.

For full terms and conditions click here: Microsoft Word - Events Terms and Conditions (rspb.org.uk)

FAQs

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Please bring either printed or electronic proof of your ticket and email confirmation of the visit date and time with you. If you booked as an RSPB member, that member needs to bring their membership card with them.

Are there minimum age requirements to enter the event?

We do not recommend our Hire A Guide experiences for children under 6 years old as they last for more than two hours.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

See our website for train, bus, bike, and road options.

Our carpark is located on the right at the beginning of Arne village.

Arne Nature Reserve, Dorset - The RSPB

What can I bring into the event?

We recommend suitable outdoor clothing. Bring your own binoculars and camera if you have them. You may wish to carry a drink and/or snack. No dogs, except registered assistance dogs please.

Do you cater for special dietary needs?

Yes, although refreshments do not form part of this event you are welcome to visit the cafe before or afterwards - please see the website for seasonal opening hours: Arne Nature Reserve, Dorset - The RSPB. Our on-site catering team can cater for any special dietary requirements. Please ask when ordering your food or beverage.

Can I stay on the reserve after the walk?

You are welcome to make the most of the day and take your time exploring before or after the experience, as entry is free for RSPB members and included in the ticket for non-members. Please refer to our webpage for seasonal opening hours of the Welcome Area, shop, cafe and toilets: Arne Nature Reserve, Dorset - The RSPB.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Email arne@rspb.org.uk. All enquiries must be made via email.

What's the refund policy?

If we cancel the tour for any reason, or if you need to cancel, we can reschedule your tour to a suitable date – please contact us. Cancellations/rescheduling must be made using the email address arne@rspb.org.uk Vouchers are valid for 1 year from the purchase date, but if we need to cancel due to inclement weather, we will extend the voucher validity date.

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