Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre by Vicky Ashby

Credit: Alistair Cook

Children pond dipping at Lorton Meadows by Katharine Davies

Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve © Pat Jefferies

Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre

The Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve is open all year around. Visit Meadow Barn at the Conservation Centre to plan your day exploring the nature reserve using our guides and maps.

Please note that the Conservation Centre is only open for pre-arranged events. Please see the link to our events page below to find out what's on.

Location

Lorton Lane

Weymouth

Dorset

DT3 5QH

OS Map Reference

SY675826

View on What3Words

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Know before you go

Size

75 hectares

Entry fee

None

Parking information

Car park at conservation Centre

Bicycle parking

Yes

Grazing animals

Please be aware that we have cattle (cows and a bull) on the reserve throughout the year. Please keep your dog on a lead and respect any 'No dogs' signs.

Walking trails

Network of walking trails including the Legacy Trial (Lorton to Portland Bill) - leaflets available in Meadow Barn.

Access

Please be aware that we have cattle (cows and a bull) on the reserve throughout the year. Please refrain from walking your dog through the meadow(s) marked with 'No dogs' signs. For more information, please see the posters and leaflets in Meadow Barn and the Conservation Centre and signs on the field gates.

Find out more about the Lorton Meadows nature reserve here.

There are gates at most entrances. Unsurfaced paths (apart from around the Conservation Centre and Meadow Barn).

Take precautions against ticks.

Dogs

On a lead

On a lead. There are cows and a bull on site throughout the year – please keep your distance, observe any 'No dogs' signs on gates.

Facilities

Picnic area

Outdoor play area

When to visit

Opening times

The Lorton Meadows nature reserve is open all year around. Visit Meadow Barn to plan your day exploring the nature reserve using our guides and maps. The Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre will open for practical tasks and public events only. To keep up-to-date with events visit the link below.

For more information about the Lorton Meadows visitor centre, please phone the Chesil Centre on 01305 206191 or email chesilbeach@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Best time to visit

Spring and summer for flowers, insects and birds.

About the reserve

Drop in to Meadow Barn to plan your day exploring the nature reserve using our guides and maps. The picnic area and Meadow Barn are the perfect places for lunch whatever the weather (please take all your rubbish home).

For more information about the reserve, including maps, nature trails, access, species and habitats, please see the Lorton Meadows nature reserve page.

Please note, some facilities are only available when participating in arranged events and practical tasks.

Facilities when visiting the nature reserve:
Guides and maps in Meadow Barn
Picnic area
Nearest public toilet is 10 minute drive away at the Weymouth Park and Ride

Facilities at pre-arranged events and practical tasks:
Conservation Centre
Toilets
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities

Details of upcoming events here.

Help make a difference to your local wildlife by volunteering: you could assist us at the Wild Chesil Centre, welcome visitors, help with our events programme or join a work party to undertake conservation tasks and surveys on the reserve. Please contact us on 01305 206191 to find out more.