West Bexington
Know before you go
Dogs
Dogs allowed on beach only. See above for more information about dogs on nature reserves.
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
Anytime for birdlife.About the reserve
A small coastal reserve, offering a welcome resting place for a wide range of migrant bird species, and a permanent home for a host of interesting wildlife.
A stretch of shingle, which is a good habitat for plants like yellow horned-poppy and sea kale, sits directly in front of reedbeds with grazing marsh and mixed coastal scrub behind. The reserve is jointly managed with a local farmer and as well as grazing to keep the wet grassy meadows in good condition, we cut the reedbeds and scrub blocks on rotation to maintain a diversity of age growth and structure. Along with the surrounding sympathetically managed land this area offers a first resting and re-fuelling point for arriving migrant birds as well as the resident wetland and scrub species such as Cetti's warbler, reed bunting, and linnet. The scrub also provides habitat for dormouse and shelter for reptiles, while the reedbed and ditches support water vole, great-crested newt and a good range of dragonflies.
Useful Information
Take the road for West Bexington and The Manor House Hotel opposite the Bull Inn on the B3157 coast road at Swyre, (about seven miles east of Bridport). Follow road for a mile to its end at the (fee-paying) public car park and head west along a footpath over the shingle beach and a small bridge to the reserve entrance.