Last weekend at Arne we held a series of reptile ‘show and tells’ when we introduced visitors to some of the reserve's incredible snakes and lizards. Male sand lizards have been basking on the sandy heathland paths – this is Britain’s second rarest reptile. Our rarest reptile, the smooth snake, has also been spotted out and about. Although there are plenty of smooth snakes on the reserve, they are very elusive and rarely seen out in the open but a couple of days ago, a visitor managed to take a great picture of one, slithering across the path on Coombe Heath. You can clearly see the understated black marks along its back and it lacks the distinctive diamond pattern of the adder.

There have also been good sightings of ospreys, Dartford warblers, nightjars, up to five spoonbills and plenty of linnets and meadow pipits.

Based on information supplied by Sara Cookson.