Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve & Wildlife Centre

Size: 34ha.

Situated on the edge of the urban sprawl of Weymouth, this is an area of unimproved grassland with views over Portland & Weymouth Harbour.  The Wildlife Centre is open from April to October.  Wildlife displays, small shop and toilets with picnic area and parking (disabled facilities).

The reserve is open all year, please phone to check opening times at the conservation centre. Here we have wildlife webcams, including a barn owl, great tit (during breeding season) and kestrel on TV screens and a selection of wildlife books and gifts for sale.

Wildlife Interest:

• The grassland attracts a variety of butterfly species, including marbled white, common and holly blues & small & large skipper.
• The proximity of the RSPB reserves at Lodmoor & Radipole may account for a variety of migrant birds, particularly warblers.
• Barn owls, kestrels & Cetti's warblers among the resident species.
• Bee orchids.

Owl WebCam

Come and wander round the home of the Lorton Meadows owls - as seen on our Owl Webcams (Barn Owls and Tawny Owls this year during April/May 2011!)

Best time:

Spring & summer.

Access:

Network of paths across the reserve.

Location:

Take A354 Dorchester to Weymouth road. Take the 1st exit at the first roundabout, and 3rd exit at the second roundabout to go over the bridge over the main road. At the traffic lights turn left and take the 3rd left onto Lorton Lane. Continue to the end of the lane.

Recent Sightings from Lorton Meadows & the Weymouth Area