Virtual Field Trips
Solar Boat
6. Stakes Island
Stakes Island is the remains of an attempt to reclaim land from the sea. In 1870 a barrier was constructed across the entrance to the Thorney Channel to create more agricultural land. Permission for the reclamation was granted by an Act of Parliament.
Stakes at low tide
Close up of stakes
The Stakes
The embankment barrier was made by building a ‘borrow’ bank. Stakes were driven into the top of this to form a strong matrix. This was built up using Petersfield rock chalk that was transported by cart. The stakes bound the chalk together. This chalk is still visible today.
It took approximately 150 men 6 months to complete the task, but the embankment is said to have lasted only 7 weeks before the section between Cobnor Point and Pilsey was breached by a gale. The charred stakes can still be seen reaching from Cobnor Point to Thorney Island at low tide. During the 1970’s the stakes were cut down to ‘mud-level’ and their present visibility shows how sediment is continually being redistributed within the Harbour.
Click here to find out more about the reclamation of the channel
North Stakes
South Stakes
North and South Stakes
The sections of the embankment that remained intact after the breach are now called North Stakes and South Stakes. Both are important areas of vegetated shingle and valued roosts for harbour birds as well as a regular breeding place for Ringed Plover, Oystercatchers, Redshank and in particular, Little Terns.
Several concrete blocks were put on South Stakes to provide a nesting area for Little Terns that would protect them from high tides and stormy weather.
The Little Terns showed little enthusiasm for this gift, but the Chichester Cathedral Peregrine Falcons have been seen resting on these blocks while visiting the harbour in search of prey.
Nutbourne Marshes
Nutbourne Marshes
The channel between the Chidham and Thorney peninsulas is now known as Nutbourne Marshes and is a designated Local Nature Reserve. It has large areas of saltmarsh habitat and is one of the most important areas in the Harbour for wildfowl and waders.
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