Discover the Wonders of Chesil Beach Bird Sanctuary: 5 Incredible Sights

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Chesil Beach Bird Sanctuary, located in Dorset, UK, is a unique and important area for wildlife, particularly birds. The 18-mile long Chesil Beach is the largest tombolo in the UK, and the Fleet Lagoon behind it is the largest tidal lagoon in the UK and one of the most important Marine Protected Areas in the country.

Discover the Diverse Avian Inhabitants

The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, including:

  • Dunlin
  • Oyster catchers
  • Little egret
  • Ringed plover
  • Brent geese
  • Little terns

In spring, a rare colony of little terns breeds on the beach, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers. The shingle along the pebble bank turns into a sea of pink in May due to the blooming of thrift, and other coastal specialists such as sea campion, kidney vetch, and yellow horn poppy can also be found.

Explore the Wild Chesil Centre and Fleet Explorer Boat Trips

Chesil Beach Bird Sanctuary

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre is a family-friendly visitor center that provides information about the wildlife, formation, and history of Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon. Visitors can attend events, explore with wildlife backpacks, try birdwatching, or see what has washed up on the marine touch table. During the spring and summer, boat trips on the Fleet Explorer are available, offering an opportunity to witness the sanctuary’s wildlife from a unique perspective.

Seasonal Highlights and Visitor Information

The sanctuary is open year-round, with the visitor center open from 10 am to 4 pm seven days a week. Dogs must be kept on leads around the edge of the Fleet Lagoon and on the sandflats where birds are resting and feeding. Fleet Explorer boat trips run from April to September.

Guided Walks, Tours, and Research Opportunities

There are several guided walks and tours available, including bespoke tours with the Warden or at the Wild Chesil Centre. The Reserve operates a boat, the Fleet Explorer, which runs hour-long trips around the Fleet, pointing out local wildlife and sharing stories about the bank, its shipwrecks, and smuggling.

Visitors can also explore the Abbotsbury Swannery, which is open from April to October and offers an excellent range of information on the Fleet and Chesil. The Swannery is a popular venue for students and offers guided tours by arrangement. Researchers are advised to contact the Warden for study advice and nature conservation sensitivities.

In conclusion, Chesil Beach Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for birdwatching enthusiasts and anyone interested in unique coastal habitats. With a variety of bird species, guided walks and tours, and the opportunity to explore the Fleet Lagoon by boat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

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