Introduction Formation Recreation Designations Railway Chesil Beach

Hamm Beach has been used for recreation by locals for many years. Initially it was used by families picnicking and swimming in the safe, shallow waters adjacent to the beach. In more recent years it has become popular with windsurfers, windsailors and paddleboarders because of the open aspect to the strong westerly winds while still providing comparatively calm  and shallow water. A windsurfing and SUP school now operates from Hamm beach.

The area is also popular for walking and much used by locals for walking and exercising dogs.

Other activities that have occurred in the past have included horse riding and mountain biking.

However, now that the environmental importance and sensitivity of the site are understood some of the more damaging activities are being controlled. Walkways have been provided and earth banks constructed to persuade people crossing from the Chesil car park to use a limited number of walkways and relieve the pressure of too many feet on the vegetation. Activities such as mountain biking and the use of vehicles on the vegetated areas are now banned.