Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
Lodmoor
WeymouthClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesLeave the hubbub of Weymouth and discover a saltmarsh reserve that's busy with wildlife. Follow the trail into the grasses and look for waders, ducks and terns.
About
Lodmoor is a quiet haven for wildlife in the popular seaside town of Weymouth. The combination of a large reedbed, open water, saltmarsh, wet grassland and bushes attract a variety of different birds, including Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers, gulls, ducks, Kingfishers and winter waders.
Lodmoor is a great spot in particular for winter wading birds, with a few rarities dropping in, as well as plenty of regulars such as Lapwings, Black-tailed Godwits and Dunlin. Experience up-close views of a Common Tern colony and a reedbed full of the sounds of Bitterns, Bearded Tits and Cetti's Warblers. You'll get the best views from our viewing screen.
At a glance
There is no RSPB car park here. There are three Dorset Council run car parks close to the site:
Lodmoor Country Park - pay and display car park including 15 Blue Badge spaces.
Overcombe car park at Heron Close on the eastern end of reserve.
Street parking on Southdown Avenue on the north side of reserve.
There are no toilets here. There are public toilets at Overcombe corner.
There are no baby changing facilities here. There are public toilets at Overcombe corner.
Three trails, clearly signposted. Different distances from 250 m. Can be combined to make longer circular routes. Reserve map can be downloaded from webpage.
Marsh Trail level with mixture of loose, crushed stone and concrete slabs with green verges. Narrows to 1 m at points with 1.05 m staggered barriers at each end. 570 m or 800 m. Sheltered viewpoint on grassy track after 170 m.
Reedbed Trail mixture of level, flat improved gravel, and crushed stone. Narrows to 1 m in sections, including staggered barrier Benches on Marsh and Reedbed Trails.
Overcombe Trail accessed from Heron Close car park. Mixture of 1 m wide sometimes uneven grassy track, and 0.5 m wide crushed stone and grass track, which can be muddy. Includes 1:5 slope over 5 m, with steps alongside and 1 m wide staggered barrier.
Three trails, clearly signposted. Different distances from 250 m. Can be combined to make longer circular routes. Reserve map can be downloaded from webpage.
Marsh Trail level with mixture of loose, crushed stone and concrete slabs with green verges. Narrows to 1 m at points with 1.05 m staggered barriers at each end. 570 m or 800 m. Sheltered viewpoint on grassy track after 170 m.
Reedbed Trail mixture of level, flat improved gravel, and crushed stone. Narrows to 1 m in sections, including staggered barrier Benches on Marsh and Reedbed Trails.
Overcombe Trail accessed from Heron Close car park. Mixture of 1 m wide sometimes uneven grassy track, and 0.5 m wide crushed stone and grass track, which can be muddy. Includes 1:5 slope over 5 m, with steps alongside and 1 m wide staggered barrier.
There are no toilets here. There are public toilets at Overcombe corner.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs are welcome on the designated dog friendly trails on the nature reserve. Please keep to the designated routes only.
Thank you for protecting the special wildlife here by keeping your dog on a lead and taking dog waste home with you to dispose of.
Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us. If you require an ‘off-lead’ walk please see Dorset Council’s dog walking areas.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Lodmoor
weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk Lodmoor, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6HS 01929 553360