EAST FLEET
Winter walk in the shadow of Chesil Beach
Apart of this contrasting circular walk takes in one of Dorset’s notable national trails: the West Coast Path along the world famous Jurassic coastline. The starting point by the old chapel affords panoramic views along the tidal fleets and out over the sea. The stony beach is an extension of the famous Chesil Bank that sweeps back east in a dramatic rising curve towards the bulwark of the Isle of Portland. The calmer waters of the fleets, trapped between Lyme Bay and rolling downland, support a wide range of wintering wildfowl and waders, including large flocks of Brent Geese, including pale-bellied race. Careful scrutiny may reveal a rare Black Brant.
Flocks of gulls roost in safety on the open fleet and most winters an ‘Arctic’ gull is discovered, usually a Glaucous. Following winter gales, a seabird such as a diver or auk may be ‘trapped’ on the fleet. The hinterland section of the walk winds through a mixture of arable farmland and classic sheepgrazed chalk downland, the haunt of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Sky Lark, as well as Raven and raptors such as Red Kite, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Small woods and copses along the way add to the variety of birds on offer, including wintering Woodcock, while Roe Deer and Brown Hare are also present. A visit to either the Swannery or Subtropical Gardens at nearby Abbotsbury adds to the enjoyment of a visit. At the Swannery, a wide range of ornamental wildfowl are present among the hundreds of Mute Swans. It’s an ideal place to test out one’s identification skills on those tricky female ducks at close range.