A unique spot on the Jurassic Coast
Tucked behind Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon is a stretch of sheltered, brackish water that runs parallel to the English Channel. The calm, shallow lagoon's mix of salt and fresh water – along with the rich food supply available – make it the ideal home for a colony of graceful Mute Swans.
It’s for those reasons and more that Abbotsbury Swannery has thrived here for centuries.
An area of ecological importance
The Fleet is part of the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve, a protected habitat known for its biodiversity. It’s the largest tidal lagoon in the UK and one of the most ecologically important.
The lagoon supports eelgrass beds, many species of algae, and a variety of aquatic life that together create a stable food web. For swans, this means a steady diet of underwater plants, which, due to the Fleet’s shallow depth they can easily graze on with the help of their long, slender necks.
Centuries of swan life
Swans have been nesting at Abbotsbury since at least the 14th century, and possibly as early as the 11th century when Benedictine monks first managed the site. The natural shelter of the Fleet Lagoon makes it an ideal location for the swans to return each year to nest, raise their cygnets, and live largely undisturbed. This uninterrupted cycle has been fundamental in preserving the only managed colony of free-living swans in the world.
A thriving ecosystem
The Swannery is part of a wider network of protected habitats that includes the surrounding reedbeds, meadows, and shoreline. Indeed, the unique ecosystem attracts a variety of surprising avian visitors: birdwatchers regularly spot unusual species among the large numbers of wading birds and waterfowl often present. These concentrations also attract birds of prey such as Marsh Harriers.
The mix of fresh and saltwater supports a variety of species, from invertebrates to water birds. It’s a living example of how nature thrives when left to find its own course.
Perfect for wildlife lovers and quiet explorers
A visit to the Fleet Lagoon is a peaceful, rewarding experience; a place where you can stand still and hear the wingbeats of a passing swan or catch the sudden flash of a kingfisher.
As part of a protected Dorset nature reserve, it’s managed with expertise and care so that visitors and wildlife can share the same space without conflict. If you’re looking for things to do on the Jurassic Coast or places to visit near Dorset, the Swannery and the Fleet are well worth your time.
Posted on December 5th 2025
Updating page...