Chichester Harbour Conservancy has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the local area, receiving a prestigious award from the High Sheriff of West Sussex in acknowledgement of its “dedicated and valuable service to the community on land and at sea.”
The award was presented to Chichester Harbour Conservancy CEO Matt Briers and Education Centre Manager Jane Latawski by the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks, at an awards ceremony at Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham.
CEO Matt said “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award. It is a wonderful recognition of the dedication and passion shown by our staff and volunteers every day, both on the water and across the harbour landscape.
We were especially pleased to welcome Dr Timothy Fooks to Chichester Harbour last October, and his kind and thoughtful comments about our work, particularly around education and community engagement, meant a great deal to the whole team.
This award belongs to everyone who helps care for the harbour and ensures it remains a special place for future generations.”
During the visit, Dr Fooks toured the harbour and the Conservancy’s Education Centre at Dell Quay, praising the team’s efforts to inspire young people and protect the natural environment. Dr Fooks described the centre as a “a fabulous resource and a community jewel in the crown of both Hampshire and West Sussex.” Since its establishment in 1999, the Education Centre has benefitted nearly 200,000 children and young people from across the region and beyond.
Picture: High Sheriff of west Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks and Conservancy Chairman Pieter Montyn visit CHC Education Centre at Dell Quay.
Dr Fooks also commended the wider work of the Conservancy, from environmental protection and habitat restoration to ensuring safe navigation and supporting recreational use of the harbour. He referred to Chichester Harbour as “a natural treasure trove, worthy of protection, restoration, and careful management.”
The newly presented award recognises these combined efforts, celebrating the Conservancy’s long-standing role in caring for one of the South Coast’s most important landscapes while serving both residents and visitors alike.