WILDLIFE experts believe exploratory oil well drilling in Poole Bay could have serious consequences for marine life.

Corallian Energy is still awaiting government consent for an appraisal well, but drilling could start later this month.

However, Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) fears drill cuttings discharged on the seabed could impact species within the vicinity, especially snort-snouted seahorses which are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act.

While DWT has praised both Corallian's pledge to dispose of contaminated cuttings onshore, and the energy firm's decision to drill during winter to reduce impact on migratory species, it still has concerns.

Trust chief executive Dr Simon Cripps said: "Poole Bay is not the place for such activities.

"The time, effort, money and research necessary to conduct such a project would be better used on renewable energy alternatives and not drilling in such a sensitive area."

Last month the Daily Echo reported that Corallian Energy had signed up a rig for the exploratory drilling in the area called 'Colter Prospect', within 10 miles of Bournemouth and Studland beaches.

This area is thought to contain upwards of 19 million barrels of oil.

The firm has signed a contract for the use of the jack-up drilling platform Ensco-72.

In a statement also covering a separate operation in the North Sea, the firm said: "The rig site surveys have been completed and the two well programme is expected to commence in Q4, subject to receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals and consents for both wells."

The rig is expected to be in place for some 40 days, the firm says.

According to Ensco its 72 rig, built in 1981 and registered to Liberia, can drill down 25,000 feet. Its three legs are 344 feet long and it can operate at water depths of up to 225 feet.

Corallian says "all practicable measures" would be taken to avoid "spill scenarios."

The platform, which would be visible from Bournemouth, Purbeck and the Isle of Wight, and the vertical well are subject to approval by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The drilling plans have attracted opposition from local campaign groups such as Save Our Shores Bournemouth, as well as councils and MPs.

DWT living seas manager Peter Tinsley said: "Globally we already have enough oil and gas to go way beyond the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) target.

"We don't need to explore for more."