A trial shuttle bus service has been set up by the RSPB to connect Wareham train station and RSPB Arne. The service has also been extended to include additional runs between RSPB Arne and Purbeck Park (Norden Park and Ride). It will run through the summer until 31 August.

There are four return journeys daily from Wareham Station, and two return journeys from Purbeck Park.

The little green bus has improved access to the nature reserve. It has also reduced the number of cars used to get to the reserve at a peak time of the year.

The service 2RN (to Arne) shuttle bus is supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and is operated by Dorset Community Transport.

The RSPB’s aim in launching the shuttle bus is to help people who can’t currently access the reserve due to limited personal transport. Single fares are £2 per adult and £1 for under 19s. National Concessionary Passes are accepted.

Bus users can pre-book one of RSPB Arne’s Trampers (off road mobility scooters) to meet them as they step off the service. There is an accessible step on the bus that can be lowered where kerbs aren’t available, however, the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible. There is limited room for foldable pushchairs, and well-behaved, clean dogs are permitted at the driver’s discretion.

The service has been welcomed. One customer said: “I was able to enjoy a day at RSPB Arne which I can’t normally access, and I was even able to walk to one of the nature reserve’s viewpoints despite my arthritis.”

For the full Service 2RN timetable, visit: bit.ly/2RNTimetable. To book a Tramper, visit: bit.ly/ArneTramper