About the reserve

At Lorton Meadows as the first morning light filters through the woodland and mist blankets the ponds, the night time cry of the barn owl gives way to the vibrant chirp of the song thrush. This wildlife haven to the north-west of Weymouth is a patchwork of unimproved meadows enclosed by thick hedgerows and small copses nestling in the Lorton Valley. The multiple trails and pathways provide an opportunity to explore and experience a wonderful variety of wildlife just a stones’ throw from the residential areas of Littlemoor, Upwey and Weymouth. 

On a bright summer’s day, the meadows and hedgerows are busy with insect life; from butterflies dancing over the wildflowers and grasshoppers in the meadows, to moths, bugs, beetles and dragonflies.  A summer amble along the pathways and trails will also reward you with the sight of colourful and some quite rare wildflowers, including orchids and corky-fruited water-dropwort dotted around the reserve. The reserve provides excellent foraging and flight lines for bats like noctules. The scrub and hedgerows bursting with the songs of birds like lesser whitethroat and grasshopper warbler.

Go for a short walk through the shady woodland or follow one of the longer tails across the top of the meadows.  

Useful Information

From the B3159 (Dorchester Road), turn into Lorton Lane and continue to the end of the lane, approximately half a mile, where you will reach the Conservation Centre and carpark.

Cycle path access from Dorchester, Weymouth or Upwey Stations.

The map below shows the entrance to Lorton Lane from the B3159 (Dorchester Road), Lorton Meadows Conservation Centre and car park (please be aware of pedestrians and cyclists on Lorton Lane). The cycle path from Dorchester to Weymouth alongside the A354 joins Lorton Lane at the bridge over the A road. There are pedestrian access points: along Lorton Lane, from Littlemoor (Louviers Road) and the Weymouth Park and Ride, Mount Pleasant, Mercery Road, Weymouth DT3 5HJ

Help make a difference to your local wildlife by volunteering at Lorton Meadows. You could join our regular work party helping to manage habitats for wildlife across the reserve, or to survey butterflies, wildflowers, invertebrates, reptiles or birds. Please contact us on 01305 206191 to find out more.