Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors such as Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 180 190 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve (see his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings").
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors such as Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 170 180 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve (see his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings").
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian such as Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Harrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 170 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve (see his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings").
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 170 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult reserve (see his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.Sightings").
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 160 170 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Nicholas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only around 160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 around 160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits.Godwit. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets regular passage migrants, visitors, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little Egrets are now resident and Cattle Egrets are now resident, regular passage migrants, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident now resident, following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself has recorded some 270 species over 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself has recorded some 268 270 species over 30 34 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a unique brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Nature Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a long shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of bird birds using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of bird using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Waders often include Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwits. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of bird using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. spit or 'tombolo'. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding mute swans and other waterfowl.
The Swannery was established during the 1040s by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury, where swans were farmed for food. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII, but the ruins are still visible around St Nicolas’ Church and the breeding of swans has continued under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates. The site is now part of the larger Fleet and Chesil Reserve.
The lagoon provides ideal sheltered habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding warblers Reed and Cetti's Warblers as well as Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species but this species, which greatly underestimates the diversity of bird using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding swans and other waterfowl.
The lagoon provides ideal habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard Buzzard, Red Kite and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Catte Cattle Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding warblers and Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species but this greatly underestimates the diversity.diversity of bird using the site. Veteran birder Steve Groves himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve. Visitors may consult his blog "Steve's Swannery Sightings" for recent news and records.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding swans and other waterfowl.
The lagoon provides ideal habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Catte Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding warblers and Reed Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species but this greatly underestimates the diversity. Veteran birder Steve Groves himselg himself recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. The Swannery includes ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding swans and other waterfowl.
The lagoon provides ideal habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Catte Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding warblers and Reed Buntings.Buntings.
The relatively sparse records on eBird amount to only 150-160 species but this greatly underestimates the diversity. Veteran birder Steve Groves himselg recorded some 268 species over 30 years working at the reserve.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a brackish lagoon which extends southeast as far as for some 14km before flowing into the sea at Ferrybridge near Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. The Swannery includes a pond surrounded by ponds, reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding swans and other waterfowl.
The lagoon provides ideal habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. Little and Catte Egrets are resident following their recent colonization of Britain. The reed beds have breeding warblers and Reed Buntings, while Bearded Reedlings are occasionally seen.Buntings.
Abbotsbury Swannery is located at the west end of the Fleet, a lagoon which extends southeast as far as Weymouth. The Fleet is separated from the sea by Chesil Beach, a shingle spit. The Swannery includes a pond surrounded by reed beds, fields and riparian woodland as well as facilities for breeding swans and other waterfowl.
The lagoon provides ideal habitat for ducks and geese, grebes, gallinules and waders. Raptors including Eurasian Marsh Harrrier, Common Buzzard and Kestrel are commonly seen, while Osprey occur on migration. The reed beds have breeding warblers and Reed Buntings, while Bearded Reedlings are occasionally seen.
