b

Charmouth and River Char

Dorset  >  United Kingdom

Charmouth is a village on the coast of Lyme Bay in West Dorset.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 10 november 2022
This birdingplace has not been rated yet. Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars

Description

Charmouth is set amongst some of the highest sea cliffs on the South coast of England, some of which are over 600 foot high, the area is renowned for fossils and is part of the Jurassic Coast. The River Char runs through the village and has Isfugl, Vandstær and Bjergvipstjert. The shingle area at the mouth of the River had a Temmincksryle in the past. The small area of reedbeds (Press STAR on map) between the seafront car parks, hold Rørspurv, Rørsanger and can have Vandrikse, Dobbeltbekkasin and the occasional Enkeltbekkasin. The car parks in this area can have a large pre-roost gathering of Sortrygget Hvid Vipstjert in late afternoons during Winter months, whilst Vandrefalk, Ravn, Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl and Skærpiber are resident. On beaches waders are only to be found in smaller numbers Stor Præstekrave, Strandskade and Stenvender being the most common.

WARNING. Due to erosion, cliff falls can happen at any time, walking near cliff edges and at the base of cliffs can be TREACHEROUS.

Details

Access

The A35 main road running from Honiton (far to the West) and Bridport (to the East), is just North of the site, if traveling from Honiton on A35 at Charmouth roundabout take second exit signed Charmouth. Continue on this road (Axminster Road), going downhill in Charmouth turn Right into Lower Sea Lane signed Beach/Heritage Coast Centre/Car Parks, continue on this road to numerous seafront car parks (Fee Payable). If traveling from Bridport on A35, turn Left at sign for Charmouth/Catherston/Leweston/Wootton Fitzpaine, on this road called Berne Lane on entering Charmouth the road starts to climb, on passing shops turn Left (just pass light controlled pedestrian crossing) into Lower Sea Lane signed Shoppers Car Park/Toilets/Beach/Heritage Coast Centre, car parks are near beach at end of this road.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Canyon/cliff , Beach , City/village , Reedbeds , Sea , River

Conditions

Flat , Hilly , Sandy , Wet , Slippery , High water possible , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area