Virtual Field Trips
Solar Boat
5. Thorney Island and Pilsey
Thorney Island, as the name indicates, was once cut off from the mainland by The Deeps. In 1870 the land between the island and the mainland was reclaimed for agriculture by the building of two sea walls at the extreme east and west of the island. It is likely that in the past the island was reached by a causeway, probably along the line of the road leading to the Army camp.
Thorney Island reed beds
The reclaimed land is still used for agriculture, mainly grazing, but because of its significant nature conservation interest, this use is controlled to sustain the conservation value. This area is now known as Eames Farm and supports several nationally scarce plants and has 70 species of nationally rare or scarce insects.
Click here to see Yeakell and Gardner 1788 Map
showing Thorney Island before reclamation.
Aerial photo showing old runway - Matt Simmons
A Military Presence
In 1935 the residents of Thorney Village were evacuated to make way for a military air base in anticipation of a potential war with Germany. The RAF remained on site until 1976 when it was replaced by the Army. Today it is occupied by the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery. Planes no longer use the runway. Instead it has been colonised by ground nesting birds.
Thornham Point
Thornham Point
Reclaimed Saltmarsh
The area of saltmarsh on Thornham Point was created through the process of Managed Realignment.
Click here to discover more about Managed Realignment.
The sea wall containing this area was originally breached by the sea. This breach was enlarged, to ensure the right amount of water flowed into the area to create saltmarsh, and a wooden bridge built over the gap to enable people to continue walking along the route of the public footpath.
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Seal
Harbour Seals
Several seals have lived on the west side of Thorney Island for the last few years. They can be seen mostly swimming in the Thorney Channel or basking on the mudflats at low tide.
Click here for more information on seals
Aerial view of Pilsey Matt Simmons 30 Oct 04
Pilsey Dunes
Rich Saltmarsh Habitat
Pilsey Island
Pilsey Island is a designated nature reserve located on the tip of Thorney Island.
It is owned by the MOD but is leased to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Access to Pilsey Island is restricted and is only possible by boat. Pilsey Island has vegetated shingle, saltmarsh and sand dune habitats.
The sand dunes have increased significantly since 1997. As well as being a botanically rich area, it is a high water roost for birds and supports ground nesting birds such as the Ringed Plover.
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