Over the last week oil has washed up on Chesil Beach. It appears to have come from two sources. Along two high tidelines there is a scattering of new oil. It appears to be worst along the Abbotsbury to Cogden stretch but there are significant amounts right along the beach. There is also some oil that appears to have been in the water for a long time and has pretty much solidified into lumps. This is mostly in the Chiswell part of the beach.

Although not a major problem, take care if you walk along the seaward side of the beach, particularly if you have children and/or dogs in your party.

The P2 underwater camera was cleaned today. Visibility was awful and the cleaning was by feel only! Water temperature 9.1C. The high resolution datalogger measuring water temperature and depth was re-deployed.

The low tide this afternoon was exceptionally low with all the wrecked pontoons along the foreshore all or partially visible above the water level.

On the walk back it was noted that there are still a few Portland pinks in flower on the beach.

No underwater camera cleaning this week, weather and underwater visibility too bad. Water temperature is 10.4C, a significant rise since last week.

Walking back along the Lyme Bay side of Chesil Beach revealed some fresh oil patches on the high strandline, and many cuttlefish bones and dead sea fans. Other items of note were oranges, more shampoo bottles from the Napoli, and a selection of deadman's fingers, Alcyonium digitatum.

Avian flu has now been confirmed in three dead swans found at Abbotsbury Swannery at the north-west end of the Fleet. A further 6 dead swans are being tested. DEFRA have set up a control zone that covers the whole of the Fleet and the surrounding areas. This primarily affects poultry farmers but we would urge walkers along the Fleet to observe a few simple rules:

Stay on the public footpaths, do not enter farms or farmland.

Stay off the Fleet foreshore.

Do not let your dog roam on the foreshore or approach any wild birds.

We thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.

Underwater camera cleaned today after the the Christmas/New Year break. Underwater visibility bad after the heavy rain and strong winds of the last few days. Water temperature 8.4C. Poor vis meant it was not possible to survey fish that may be around, but grey mullet and two-spot gobies were both seen on the camera over the last week.

While walking up the beach it was noted that there are still a few Portland pinks in flower (Thrift). Although the main flowering is late April into May, there always seems to be a small number of plants in flower right through the year.

Back at the Visitors Centre, nine people enjoyed a guided walk around the lower Fleet looking at the history, habitats and beach formations of the area. Luckily the weather held and the walk was completed before the rain set in again. For information on forthcoming walks look at our What's On page.