Fleet Nature Reserve and Lagoon, Dorset
Posted August 16th, 2010 | No Comments
No visit to Portland is complete without a stop at the Fleet Nature Reserve. This rather large tidal lagoon has been classified as an “Area of Scientific Interest”, an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, a “Special Area of Conservation” and a “Ramsar Site”. Stretching all the way from Ferry Bridge at the edges of Portland clear through to Abbotsbury, the reserve also houses an important wetland which is a sanctuary for many unique plants and birds, the most famous of which is the Mute Swan.
The fleet lagoon is special as it is one of the few remaining undisturbed lagoons left in the entire world! This is why it is so important to protect its naturalness and assure that it remains untouched by marina developments. Here alone, the Fleet lagoon and nature reserve houses more than ninety rare species of flora and fauna.
Though open to the public, there are certain dates during the course of the year when the reserve is closed due to the breeding of sensitive species. Permits are available through the warden, who is located at the centre.