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Safety Guidance
- Tides in the Fleet are difficult to predict due to tidal lag, weather and changes in atmospheric pressure. Shallow waters contain uncharted obstructions and unstable sediments that can shift without warning.
- The Fleet and its shorelines can be hazardous, with soft sediments that increase the risk of sinking and entrapment.
- Between Abbotsbury and Weymouth, Chesil Beach is separated from the mainland by the Fleet, limiting access and escape routes. During storms, the beach may be overtopped or flooded. Chesil is shelved steeply and abruptly, with a strong undertow towards the deep water of Lyme Bay.
- Marine debris, abandoned fishing gear and other hazardous items may wash ashore, posing risks to people and wildlife through entanglement, injury, or exposure to sharp or contaminated items.
- Dead or distressed animals may be present. Do not touch or disturb them, as this may cause further harm and pose health risks.
- Please report any hazards or wildlife strandings to the Reserve team – taking a note of the location as accurately as possible.
Watercraft
Launching, landing and anchoring
There is no public launching from the shores of the Fleet. Access is only available from Portland Harbour under Ferrybridge.
Landing is not permitted on Chesil Beach or the shores of the Fleet beyond the Portland Boundary stone, unless in an emergency or with prior authorisation.
Anchoring in the Fleet is not allowed, as it can damage the sensitive seabed.
Mooring and Storing
All moored boats on the Fleet must be registered with either the Reserve or the relevant landowner. Boats kept on the Revetment at Ferrybridge are required to register with Ferrybridge Marine Services (FMS).
Motorised watercraft
Motorised watercraft are allowed as far as Langton Herring; however, the Reserve team advise that no motor craft goes beyond the Narrows. Motorcraft may cause damage to the shallow areas of the Fleet, disturbing the seabed, the seagrass and the marine life that live there. The Fleet beyond the narrows is very shallow, with limited channels and very soft sediments, making navigation difficult and sometimes hazardous.
Canoes/paddle boards/rowed craft
- Launching from or landing on the shores of the Fleet is not permitted (please see Launching, landing and anchoring).
- Watercraft must not be used to access Chesil or the Fleet shores for camping.
- If dogs are taken on watercraft, they must not be allowed to jump off or exercise on Chesil Beach or the shores of the Fleet.
- The Fleet is not an appropriate location for training activities.
- Large groups and commercial events are discouraged because they are likely to cause higher levels of disturbance.
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
These activities are not allowed on the Fleet due to the large-scale disturbance these activities cause.
Fishing
For any form of fishing on the Reserve, it is the responsibility of the fisherman to adhere to current regulations and byelaws, such as obtaining permits for some activities and following minimum size and catch limits. We ask all fishermen to respect and protect local wildlife and fish using sustainable fishing practices. For further information, visit the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority website.
Shore Fishing
Angling from the outer flank of Chesil is most popular. Chesil Beach at Portland, Abbotsbury, West Bexington and Cogden is available year-round, but there is no summer access between the Abbotsbury Tank Teeth and the Portland Bound Stone.
Angling in the Fleet is not permitted west of the Narrows. In the Narrows and around Ferrybridge, angling is permitted. Catching bass is formally discouraged (The Fleet is a designated Bass Nursery Area).
Boat Fishing
Fishing by boat in the Fleet is permitted; however, boats must not be anchored. The Fleet beyond the narrows is unsuitable for motorised craft. Please follow the guidance section for boats on the Reserve.
Spear Fishing
Spear fishing is permitted in the Fleet. Spear fishermen should be aware of any legal regulations regarding bag size, size limits and protected species.
Other Guidance
Walking
Walking along the shores of the Fleet is not permitted to protect sensitive habitats and reduce disturbance to wildlife. There is an extensive network of paths in the surrounding area of the Fleet, offering miles of walking opportunities through a unique and varied coastal landscape. The Southwest Coast Path runs along the field margin for much of the length of the Fleet, only briefly heading inland at Langton, and offers some of the most scenic walking along this stretch of coastline.
Dog Walking
There are many footpaths which travel close to the Fleet and are great places to walk your dog. We ask that people remain on the footpaths and do not enter the Fleet or walk along its shores, which are private property and important for feeding and roosting waterfowl and waders. Please keep your dog on a lead or under close control. There are a few dog waste bins on this extensive Reserve. Please pick it up and take it home.
Dogs are welcome on Chesil Beach at the Portland and Abbotsbury ends, provided they are kept on leads or under close control. Seasonal restrictions apply at Portland around the Little Tern colony. Dogs are not permitted on Chesil Beach between the Portland Boundary Stone and the Tank Teeth at Abbotsbury.
Camping
Camping is not permitted anywhere on the Reserve. Angling shelters may be used on the seaward side of Chesil for fishing. There is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), ‘The Dorset beaches Anti-social Behaviour Related Public Spaces Protection Order’ for the whole length of Chesil. This PSPO prohibits the erection of a tent, gazebo, marquee, or other temporary structure designed or intended to provide shelter or accommodation for the purpose of camping overnight along Chesil without the express prior written permission of the landowner.
Fires and BBQs
Fires on Chesil are not permitted. They can be dangerous and cause lasting damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Hot pebbles may crack, shatter and explode.
Small BBQs are permitted if raised and properly disposed of.
Drones
Drone flying is not permitted anywhere on the Reserve. On request, permission may be granted by the Reserve and Natural England, on an individual basis, with appropriate justification.
Pebble Collecting
Pebble collecting is not permitted. There are billions of pebbles on the beach; however, as they are no longer being replenished, we are increasingly at risk of the beach being breached – with rising sea levels and pebbles wearing out. It is illegal to take pebbles and other natural materials from any U.K. beaches under the Coast Protection Act 1949.
Bait-digging
The digging of bait worms is permitted around the Ferrybridge area for your own use and not for commercial gain. Bait digging can damage mudflats and their wildlife. Collection of bait must be carried out in a sustainable way; holes are to be backfilled, and trampling of vegetation and disturbance of birds are to be kept to a minimum. Finally, only take what you need.
Horse riding
Horse riding is not permitted on the shores of the Fleet or on Chesil Beach.
Metal detecting
Metal detecting is not permitted on the Fleet shores or Chesil Beach.
Cycling
Cycling is not permitted on the shores of the Fleet or Chesil Beach.
Swimming
Swimming in the Fleet, from Ferrybridge up to the Narrows, is permitted. Swimming beyond the Narrows is not recommended due to the shallow conditions and soft sediments. Please note that there is no lifeguard or lifesaving service on the Fleet.
Foraging
The foraging of wild foods is a historic practice that has been carried out for many generations. Most of the Fleet shores and Chesil are private property, and as part of the Site of Special Scientific Interest, foraging is not allowed. Foraging on the shores at Ferrybridge is allowed for your own consumption and not for commercial gain. The law states that collecting for gain or sale is theft.
It is up to the forager to be aware of any laws or local byelaws, which may restrict the collection of certain species or how they are collected. For example, the Wildlife and Countryside Act states it is illegal to intentionally uproot any wild plant without the landowner’s permission.
Fossil hunting
Most areas along the Fleet shores where fossils are found are on private property, and due to the damage that the extraction of fossils can cause in such soft cliffs, fossil collection is not permitted. There are places where loose fossils may be found on the ground; the collection of these in small quantities may be permitted, but we would ask that you leave some for everyone.
Litter picks
Seaborne litter greatly affects our coasts, wildlife and habitats, not to mention the visual impact it leaves on our landscapes. We are happy to accommodate and encourage litter picking. Anyone wishing to litter pick should get in touch with the Reserve team.
Please be aware that many areas are highly sensitive and access can be difficult. Whilst it is important to remove plastics and other dangerous litter, this must be done with wildlife in mind. Trampling of some habitats can do more harm than good, and some litter, such as wood, may have already become part of the habitat. The Reserve team will be happy to provide guidance.
Diving/snorkelling
Between Ferrybridge and the Narrows, diving and snorkelling are permitted. Beyond the Narrows, diving is restricted.
Education
Chesil and the Fleet are popular venues for student groups. Some activities may require consent and further guidance, please contact the Reserve team before your visit. The Wild Chesil Centre, managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, has a range of educational material and offers guided tours by arrangement.
Research
To carry out any research, please contact the Reserve team for guidance on the nature conservation sensitivities. Some research may require a Reserve access permit and Natural England SSSI consent. We are pleased to receive any wildlife observations and copies of completed studies.
Activities requiring an Access Permit and SSSI Consent
Activities on the Reserve may require a Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve Access Permit, available from the Reserve team.
Some activities will also require Natural England SSSI consent if they involve activities that may cause damage to the SSSI, such as collecting sediment, flora, or fauna, or digging. Depending on the activity, gaining consent may take some time. Please allow up to four months' notification.
If you would like to apply for an access permit or SSSI consent, contact the Reserve at info@fleetandchesilreserve.org.
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