About the Reserve

Getting to know Chesil and the Fleet

Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon form one of England’s most distinctive coastal landscapes. The shingle bank stretches for 18 miles, sheltering the lagoon behind it and creating a rare mix of habitats along the water’s edge. The result is a Reserve with a strong sense of scale, constant change, and wildlife that responds to the seasons.

Below you’ll find key information about the Reserve, how it is cared for, and the environmental designations that protect it.

Formation

Learn how Chesil and Fleet Lagoon formed, why the beach is such a unique shingle system, and what makes the lagoon one of Britain’s most remarkable coastal features.

About the Reserve

Management

Discover how the Reserve team works with partners, landowners and statutory bodies to conserve wildlife, habitats, and geological features, while supporting safe and sustainable access for visitors.

How the Reserve is managed

Designations

Find out more about the national and international designations that recognise Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon for its habitats, geology, and wildlife, including SSSI, SAC, SPA and RAMSAR status.

Reserve designations

Encyclopaedia

Explore the language of the landscape. From rare species profiles to the technical terms of ecology, our Encyclopaedia provides the definitions.

Read the encyclopaedia