Our verdict
A genuinely good birdwatching stop minutes from the seafront, but keep to the marked dog-friendly trails — much of the reserve is on-lead or dog-restricted to protect ground-nesting birds.
A 76-hectare SSSI of freshwater reedbed, saltmarsh and open water right on the edge of Weymouth, drawing bearded tits, Cetti's warblers, herons and wintering waders. Signed trails and a viewing screen give views over the marsh without disturbing it.
RSPB reserve — managed for birds, with trails and hides; dogs on leads.