RSPB Lodmoor

Situated just 10 minutes from the seaside town of Weymouth, RSPB Lodmoor is a 76 hectare site owned by Weymouth and Portland Council. It is managed by the RSPB and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The area is mainly freshwater reedbed, but the southern section is connected to the sea under the sea wall. There are shallow pools and waterways which attract many species of waterfowl and wading birds including herons, egrets, and oystercatchers, as well as rarities such as lesser yellowlegs and Mediterranean gulls.

There are 3 trails in the reserve to help guide you through this beautiful, tranquil landscape. The marsh trail follows the edges of the shallow pools through the saltmarsh grassland where ducks, waders, and common terns congregate. The reedbed trail offers views over the reedbeds with the opportunity to spot bearded tits in the summer and bitterns in the winter, while marsh harriers can often be seen circling overhead. Finally, the Overcombe trail allows you to explore the wet grasslands which are the winter home of ducks and water pipits, and takes you through the scrub where warblers and finches gather to feed in the summer.

The reserve is popular with dog walkers and although there are few facilities you are welcome to bring a picnic, and there are toilets and a visitor centre at nearby RSPB Radipole Lake.

RPSB Lodmoor is adjacent to Lodmoor country park which hosts various events throughout the year including car rallies, summer fayres, and circus shows. There is also a green gym, a model railway, a pitch and putt, a Sea Life centre, a go-kart circuit, and a pirate ship play park.