THE hidden depths off Dorset have been revealed in a new map showing the diversity of its seabeds.

A chart created by Natural England of the wildlife hidden beneath the shores of counties in the south west of England shows an abundance of underwater gems hidden off the Dorset coast.

Creatures such as seahorses, whales, porpoises and basking sharks can be seen off the county's coastline as well as corals, seagrass and sea fan forests.

The maritime adviser for Natural England Dorset, Rachel Waldock, said: "The Dorset coast is an area that is coming more and more to the fore.

"There are particular areas like Kimmeridge with a huge variety and that are very accessible so people can get down and see them.

"Lyme Bay is also very diverse, with pink sea fans and extensive eel grass beds which house considerable amounts of fish species and things like seahorses.

"A lot of people just see the top of the water and don't develop a real understanding of what is down there."

This summer the UK's largest known seahorse colony was spotted in Studland Bay, while there were also several reported sightings of Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish around Dorset's coastlines.

Mrs Waldock added that, while basking sharks are occasionally spotted off the Dorset coast, they are usually seen far out to sea and are more common in Cornwall.

Natural England's regional director Janette Ward said: "We are fortunate there is an incredible medley of landscapes and marine life around the south west.

"Our undersea environment has dramatic landscapes and is a source of intrigue and fascination."

The idea of the map is to draw attention to the wonderful species living beneath our waters and ensure protection for vulnerable species in special marine conservation zones.

Mrs Waldock said: "We have a fair idea about the sort of things that there are but it hasn't actually been mapped yet.

"Dorset Wildlife Trust is actually mapping parts of the sea floor and this will all filter in to conservation zones that will be coming through with the new Marine Bill."