Radipole Lake RSPB Reserve

50.61751 , -2.46104

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK)

Radipole Lake is a freshwater wetland located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, its connection to the sea was severed by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976.

The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling, Reed Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warblers. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. Resident raptors in the area include Eurasian Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk, while Eurasian Hobbies visit in spring and summer to feast on dragonflies. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 50.6175/-2.4610 (2023-06-08 02:27:31 )

Coordinates were changed by Stephen Matthews : 50.6175/-2.4610 (2023-06-06 05:49:37 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 50.6175/-2.4610 (2020-11-08 17:37:49 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Radipole Lake RSPB Reserve" (2020-11-08 17:37:49 )

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-08 02:27:31
Radipole Lake is a freshwater lake wetland located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, its connection to the sea was severed by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976. The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling, Reed Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warblers. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. Residnt Raptors Resident raptors in the area include Eurasian Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk, while Eurasian Hobbies visit in spring and summer to feast on dragonflies. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 07:54:04
Radipole Lake is a freshwater lake located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, its connection to the sea was severed by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976. The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling, Reed Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warblers. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. Residnt Raptors include Eurasian Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk, while Eurasian Hobbies visit in spring and summer to feast on dragonflies. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 06:05:55
Radipole Lake is a freshwater lake located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, its connection to the sea was severed by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976. The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling and Reedling, Reed Bunting.Bunting, Reed and Sedge Warblers. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:49:37
Radipole Lake is a freshwater lake located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, it w sprted from its connection to the sea was severed by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976. The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling and Reed Bunting. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:46:25
Radipole Lake is a freshwater lake located along the River Wey just before it enters the sea at Weymouth. Formerly a tidal estuary, it w sprted from the sea by the construction of Westham Bridge in 1921. The area has been a nature reserve since the 1930s and has been run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) since 1976. The lake is now largely filled with reeds, forming an important habitat for reed-dwelling species such as Bearded Reedling and Reed Bunting. Patches of water with the protection of reeds attract waterfowl in winter and on migration. With over 220 species recorded, Radipole is among the top five birding sites in the county of Dorset, alongside its sister reserve, RSPB Lodmoor.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus)
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia)
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)
Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-06 06:07:54)

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-06 06:04:54)

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 14:01:46)

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 14:01:15)

Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:54:49)

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:54:34)

Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:53:15)

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:52:39)

Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:52:23)

Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:50:59)

Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:50:45)

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) was added by Stephen Matthews (2023-06-05 13:50:28)

  • Timing and strategy

Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park. From here one can walk north across a footbridge to join a circular path leading around the reserve. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide.

A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a rather less urban wetland reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods a visit to either site could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-14 13:16
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park. From here one can walk north across a footbridge to join a circular path leading around the reserve. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a rather less urban wetland reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it a visit to either site could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-14 13:14
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park. From here one can walk north across a footbridge to join a circular path marked on red dots on leading around the map.reserve. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a rather less urban wetland reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 07:46
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discover Centre. From Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park, park. From here one can walk north across a footbridge to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a rather less urban wetland reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 06:10
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discover Centre. From the Swannery car park, walk north to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a larger and rather less urban wetland reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:59
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Discover Centre. From the Swannery car park, walk north to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a larger and less urban reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:48
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre. From the Swannery car park, walk north to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over te the River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a larger and less urban reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:48
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre. From the Swannery car park, walk north to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over te River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a larger and less urban reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront). At peak migration periods it could be combined with a visit to nearby Portland Bill, a strategic spot for observing migrants.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:32
Part of the lake can be viewed from the Discovery Centre. From the Swannery car park, walk north to join a circular path marked on red dots on the map. Much of the time the view is obscured by tall reeds but there are occasional viewpoints, notably at the footbridge over te River Wey. After crossing the bridge one can follow the trail to the North Hide. A visit can be combined with a visit to RSPB Lodmoor, a larger and less urban reserve on the eastern edge of Weymouth (35 minutes' walk away via the seafront).
  • How to get there

The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park in central Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway and bus stations.

There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall

The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which leads from Yeovil and Dorchester to Portland and runs along the west side of the reserve.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-11 05:49
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in central Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway and bus stations. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which leads from Yeovil and Dorchester to Portland and runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 08:04
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway and bus stations. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network , Network, which leads from Yeovil and Dorchester to Portland and runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 08:04
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway and bus stations. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, Network , which leads from Yeovil and Dorchester to Portland and runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:48
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway station. and bus stations. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:21
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. Weymouth. The entrance is only 7 minutes' walk from Weymouth railway station. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:07
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads. roads. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY and the what3words code is assume.quit.shall The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:05
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads.roads. The reserve is on Route 26 of the National Cycle Network, which runs along the west side of the reserve.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:03
The reserve is located next to the Swannery car park (also known as the Beach car park) in Weymouth. If using a satnav, the postcode for this is DT4 7TY. There are brown signs for RSPB Radipole Lake on the approach roads.

The main entrance is from the Swannery car park at the southern edge of the reserve. The car park is run by Dorset County Council, not the RSPB, and there is a fee for parking.

The reserve is open all day, every day and entry is free. The Discovery Centre is open Monday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-08 02:30
The main entrance is from the Swannery car park at the southern edge of the reserve. The car park is run by Dorset County Council, not the RSPB, and there is a fee for parking. The reserve is open all day, every day and entry is free. The Discover Discovery Centre is open Monday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:59
The main entrance is from the Swannery car park at the southern edge of the reserve. reserve. The car park is run by Dorset County Council, not the RSPB, and there is a fee for parking. The reserve is open all day, every day and entry is free.  free. The Discover Centre is open Monday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:10
The main entrance is from the Swannery car park at the southern edge of the reserve.reserve. The reserve is open all day, every day and entry is free.  
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:05
The main entrance is from the Swannery car park at the southern edge of the reserve.
  • Other attractions

A range of dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in summer. Otters and Water Voles are resident.

Shopping, pubs and teashops are available in Weymouth, close to the entrance.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 07:51
A range of dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in summer. summer. Otters and Water Voles are resident. Shopping, pubs and teashops are available in Weymouth, close to the entrance.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 05:57
A range of dragonflies and damselflies can be seen in summer. Shopping, pubs and teashops are available in Weymouth, close to the entrance.

The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides information and a cafe. Restrooms are available at the Discovery Centre and the Swannery car park.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-14 13:20
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides information and a cafe. The cafe. Restrooms are available at the Discovery Centre offers a cafe and restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-14 13:19
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides information and a cafe. The Discovery Centre is open from 9.30am – 5pm (4pm from November to January) and offers a cafe and restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-10-14 13:17
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides information and a cafe. The Discovery Centre is open from 9.30am – 5pm (4pm in November, December and from November to January) and offers a cafe and restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-06 06:01
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides information and a cafe. The Discovery Centre is open 9.30am – 5pm (4pm in November, December and January). Restrooms January) and offers a cafe and restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:56
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides infomraion information and a cafe. The Discovery Centre is open 9.30am – 5pm (4pm in November, December and January). Restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:10
The Discovery Centre at the Swannery car park provides infomraion and a cafe. The Discovery Centre is open 9.30am – 5pm (4pm in November, December and January). Restrooms are available at the Swannery car park.

Being located in the middle of Weymouth, the reserve suffers from some traffic noise and can be busy with casual visitors.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:55
Being located in the middle of Weymouth, there is the reserve suffers from some traffic noise and the reserve is sometimes can be busy with casual visitors.
Edited by Stephen Matthews on 2023-06-05 13:18
Being located in the middle of Weymouth, there is some traffic noise and the reserve is sometimes busy with casual visitors.
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Radipole Lake RSPB Reserve - Orniverse