Chesil and The Fleet Special Area of Conservation Adventures

Chesil and The Fleet Special Area of Conservation is a distinctive coastal environment located on the south coast of England in Dorset. The site features Chesil Beach, a 29-kilometer long shingle barrier beach, and the Fleet Lagoon, a shallow brackish lagoon situated behind the beach. The area is recognized for its geological significance and diverse habitats, including intertidal zones, salt marshes, and rich wetland environments. Chesil Beach is one of the best examples of a barrier beach in Europe, formed during the Holocene period, and serves as an important protective barrier for inland ecosystems. The Fleet Lagoon supports a variety of rare and protected species such as the Greater Horseshoe Bat, water voles, and numerous overwintering and breeding bird species including shelduck, oystercatchers, and little terns. The flora includes saltmarsh plants and rare coastal vegetation communities. Outdoor recreation opportunities focus primarily on walking along the beach and designated paths, bird watching, fishing, and nature photography. The area is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, enhancing its appeal for geological interest. Historical maritime and fishing activities add cultural value, while the Fleet Lagoon is popular for kayaking and small boat sailing in permitted zones. Visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty, rare wildlife absence of major development, and relative tranquility. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining the fragile habitats, managing visitor impact, and monitoring coastal erosion dynamics.