Wild Chesil Nature Reserve, often overlooked by passersby, holds a wealth of natural surprises and ecological significance. Contrary to its seemingly barren appearance, Chesil Beach supports a thriving population of hares and hedgehogs. Each spring, it serves as a crucial nesting site for the migratory Little Tern, a species increasingly threatened worldwide.
At the visitor centre, guests are encouraged to engage with the environment—signs invite you to “please touch” binoculars and telescopes, free for use to observe the abundant birdlife on the edges of The Fleet lagoon. An underwater camera near Ferrybridge offers a close-up view of marine life beneath the surface, and on Wednesdays and Sundays, visitors can explore the reserve aboard the glass-bottomed Fleet Explorer boat.
For the best wildlife watching experience, plan your visit around low tide when the wet mudflats teem with worms and other tiny creatures, attracting a variety of feeding birds. The Dorset Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and welcoming, keen to share their expertise through guided walks and educational activities available year-round.
READ MORE: Historic Somerset Theatre Preserved as Flats Plan Rejected
The reserve’s bird diversity evolves through the seasons: early spring arrivals give way to large flocks of dark-bellied Brent Geese in autumn. Species commonly spotted include Oyster Catchers, Little Egrets, Ringed Plovers, and Linnets, alongside rare visitors occasionally blown in by the strong winds along Chesil Bank.
Young visitors will enjoy the interactive touch table featuring items like “mermaid’s purses” (egg cases), skeletons, and a giant crab model, plus engaging push-button displays. The visitor centre plays an important educational role, raising awareness about habitat conservation and responsible pet and recreational behaviour—for example, encouraging dog owners to keep pets from disturbing nesting birds and guiding paddleboarders to enjoy Portland Harbour instead.
The Dorset Wildlife Trust partners with organizations such as the RSPB, Illchester Estate, and Crown Estate to protect this vital habitat and foster public understanding of its ecological value. Approximately 50 active volunteers support conservation efforts, educational programs, and daily operations. Volunteer recruitment typically begins in winter, with training for spring and summer roles.
Beyond its wildlife, Wild Chesil is home to salt-tolerant plants like Sea Thrift, Sea Campion, Sea Purslane, Herb Robert, and the nationally important Shrubby Sea Blite population. A notable insect resident is the rare scaley cricket, unique to just three UK sites. Discovered in the late 1940s, this wingless cricket doesn’t produce the familiar chirping sounds, which likely helps it avoid predators.
Community Ranger Abi Mustard, with a degree in ecology from Aberystwyth University, has been stewarding the reserve for three years. Passionate about her role and the site’s biodiversity, Abi is a dedicated ambassador for Wild Chesil. “What a place to be working,” she says, clearly inspired by the reserve’s rich natural heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious, Wild Chesil offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and discover the secrets of this extraordinary coastal reserve.