Media Information

Overview | Conservancy | Contacts | Facts & Figures | Filming | Interviews | Photographs | Press Releases

Chichester Harbour Overview

Chichester Harbour is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in southern England. Bright wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain's most popular boating waters. This unique place has quite rightly been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Backed by the South Downs, the harbour is a series of tidal inlets, with a narrow mouth to the sea. More than 10,500 Brent geese overwinter on the intertidal mud-land and adjacent farmland and around 50,000 birds reside in or visit the Harbour throughout the year.

Boats of all shapes and sizes make up the 12,500 craft that regularly use the harbour. Competitive and even international racing takes place among the 17 sailing clubs. A number of public launching sites around the harbour make it accessible for everyone.

Picturesque creekside villages encircle the shoreline, which straddles the boundary of West Sussex and Hampshire counties. These range from the vibrant village of Emsworth, to the beautifully quiet hamlet of Prinsted.

Visitors to the harbour will enjoy the miles of well-signposted footpaths. Alternatively you can see the harbour from the water by joining us onboard our solar-powered catamaran Solar Heritage to learn more about this special area. The Conservancy arranges a year-round programme of guided walks and activities with events for all ages and abilities.

Conservancy

 

Contacts

Please contact Ali Beckett in the first instance with all media enquiries. See also Staff and Committee Members.

Facts & Figures

* The smallest AONB in the Southeast
* 74km², nearly half is tidal estuary
* Seven marinas
* 15 sailing clubs
* Over 5,000 moorings
* 86kms of shoreline
* An average of 52,500 waterfowl each year
* Over 10,000 boats
* 45 hectares of semi-natural ancient woodland
* The 7th largest area of saltmarsh in Great Britain
* At least 25 Red Data book species of flora and fauna
* 298 hectares of coastal grazing marsh
* 25,000 people use the harbor for water-related activities each year
* 92.47km of public rights of way - 46km run along the coast and shoreline
* 8,351 residents
* Internationally important for five species of waterfowl
* Nationally important for eight species of waterfowl

Filming

The harbour is an ideal location for filming. If you intend to use locations on or near the water, please contact the Harbour Office. You will also need the permission of the land-owner. The Harbour Office may be able to arrange support afloat as required.

Interviews

Interviews can usually be arranged with senior staff and the Chairman of the Conservancy. For further details please contact Ali Beckett.

Photographs

We hold a large library of photographs, some of which are shown in the Photo Gallery. Many are royalty-free. For high-resolution jpgs of harbour scenes please contact Ali Beckett with details of what you require.

Press Releases

If you would like to receive press releases and photocall invitations please email Ali Beckett. Please include details of your particular areas of interest. Press releases issued in the last 12 months can be downloaded.

 

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