( As featured in TV programmes, Country File and Hidden Gems )

THE FLEET OBSERVER, is always popular with the visitor, and has been so for many years.  Run by a professional crew, with many years experience of this area, and the knowledge of knowing were to go, makes the boat trip exciting and informative.

Further information and booking of places on the boat, can be made with the Chesil Visitors Centre. 

  SAVECARD, is pleased to announce to it's

members, the 2 card offers listed below.

FLEET OBSERVER GLASS BOTTOM BOAT,

offer is: Save £1 off per person up to 6 people Savecard Card offer 2010.

CHESIL BANK and the FLEET NATURE RESERVE ORGANISED NATURE WALKS,

offer is: Save £1 off per person up to 6 people Savecard Card offer 2010.

SAVECARD, cannot be held responsible, for cancellation of bookings because  of weather conditions or circumstances beyond the control of the service provider

THE ABOVE 2 OFFERS, ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL, WHETHER YOU ARE SINGLE, COUPLES, FAMILY OR GROUP OF FRIENDS, OUT FOR THE DAY

The above, offers a little insight to some of the many walks that are on offer, more detailed information regarding the type of walks and availability including times are obtainable from the centre.  Please note: weather conditions and public demand, may mean some walks will be cancelled without notice, always allow time for booking and confirm walk times beforehand

A must........ for all the family, is a trip on the popular

        Fleet Observer glass bottom boat.

Children under 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome at the guides discretion, but must be kept under control and on a leash.

Wear appropriate clothing. All our events are on the coast so cool sea winds can make even warm days seem cold. Wear suitable footwear for walking on rough terrain. Wellies are strongly advised for the fossil walks. On low tide walks you will get your feet wet, so again wear suitable footwear.

Most walks last 1.5 to 2 hours and are 1-3 miles in distance

Scavenger hunts are always fun and can throw up a few surprises. The winter south-westerly gales can bring flotsam and jetsam from South America, the Caribbean, USA and Europe as well as much closer to home. There is always a good selection of material of both natural and man-made origin to rummage through.

The West Fleet is less well known than the Lower Fleet between Ferrybridge and the Bridging Camp. It is very shallow, very secluded, and supports a wide variety of plants and birds. This walk is an ideal way to get acquainted with the wildlife of the area.

Tidmoor Point, better known perhaps as Chickerell Rifle Range, usually yields a number of ammonites and other fossils. After the winter rains it is likely that there will be a good number of finds.

The lengthening days trigger the seaweed into growth and bring a number of fish species back into the Fleet from wintering in deeper water. Past walks have yielded a number of unusual species, why not come and see what can be found.

May is the best time to look at the spring flowers on Chesil Beach. The Portland pinks (thrift) will be in full flower on the grassy areas around the Chesil Beach Centre accompanied by many other flowers. Come and join us to see the wide variety of flowers.

The Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve is an informal reserve managed by the Warden who is appointed by the Ilchester Estates. The management office is located at the Chesil Visitors Centre. The Warden's work is guided by the Fleet and Chesil Bank Management Plan.

Chesil Visitors Centre ( Portland Dorset )

A million times, people can take a photo of this breathtaking view of Chesil Bank, Chesil Beach and The Fleet Nature Reserve, and of course the area of Portland harbour.  Each time you see or take a photo, one always appreciates the beauty and splendour of the view.

Below, are just some points to enable you to be prepared, for when you decide to go on any guided walks, also we do recommend taking note at all times of any advice given to you by the staff based at the centre, as sometimes during the course of the year, there are restrictions to certain areas,

Guided Walks

Whether, you start your journey to discovering The Chesil Bank and the Fleet Nature Reserve, on your own or you wish to be part of an organised group walk, we recommend your first port of call is a visit to Chesil Visitors Centre.  The Centre Complex, offers a wealth of information, and an insight in to what the area offers.  The Centre Complex, is also the main booking office and organiser of some of the best guided walks to be found, below we identify just a small selection, that are available throughout the year, arranged by the Centre

One of the many pleasures in visiting this natural area, is the fact that all can enjoy it, you do not have to pay to walk along the splendour of Chesil Bank or to go up close to the Jurassic cliffs, and touch something that is millions of years old.  Of course, nowadays if you wish to be more informed or wish to partake in organised walks, many opportunities are now available for you.  SAVECARD, are proud to be associated with some of the more recognised guided walk organisers in the area, if you wish to participate.

We recommend the three services listed on this page.  CHARMOUTH, to many is one of the main areas for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast line. Since 2009 and now in 2010 we are again proud to be working with Chris Pamplin, who is well respected and recognised in Jurassic Coast customised guided walks.  Chris Pamplin, is again offering 15% off Private Guided Fossil Walks to  SAVECARD card holders, during the season (pre booking is recommended, please identify yourself as a card holder at the time of booking).  The offer is valid for up to 4 people per card, for further information visit www.fossilwalks.com

or phone 08450 943757

15 % off Private Guided Jurassic Coast Fossil Walks