JG6078. 10.05.2011. The Fleet Lagoon, Weymouth. Picture by JOHN GURD JG6078
THE Fleet is a saline lagoon which lies between Chesil Beach and the mainland.
It is of international significance for the rich and diverse aquatic plant and animal species it supports.
It is one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world. The Fleet is strongly tidal at Ferrybridge but the effect of the tides diminishes above The Narrows.
The bouncing bomb, designed by Barnes Wallis and immortalised in the film The Dam Busters, was tested on the waters of the Fleet.
In September 1942 the first full-scale test drops of the bomb were carried out using a modified Vickers Wellington bomber.
The bed of The Fleet has been owned by the Ilchester Estates since 1539.
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