Saltmarsh restoration is at the heart of our nature recovery projects here in Chichester Harbour; this precious habitat has declined by nearly 60% since 1946. A proud partner in the UN-endorsed Solent Seascape Project, last year we embarked upon an innovative trial to restore saltmarsh using sediment from routine dredging operations. With ambitious targets to […]
The recently released WWF Living Planet Report 2024 has highlighted the alarming decline in global wildlife over the past 50 years. Hot on the heels of 2023’s UK State of Nature report, it emphasises the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats on a global scale. Chichester Harbour is one […]
Did you see a hovercraft around Chichester Harbour this summer? An unusual sight, the hovercraft was on a special mission – to map the harbour’s seagrass meadows. What is seagrass? Seagrass is a hero habitat of coastal ecosystems. The only flowering plant in the sea, it stores carbon and stabilises sediment. It is also a haven […]
Chichester Harbour Conservancy starts work to upgrade Itchenor jetty, creating improved and safer access and facilities for all users. As well as improvements for harbour users, the jetty will form an important link in the new King Charles III England Coast Path, as well as bringing environmental benefits with electric charging points and pump-out facilities. […]
On Sunday evening, boaters in Chichester Harbour were amazed when they spotted a pair of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Itchenor Channel. Several people were enjoying a sunset boat trip on Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s solar-powered tour boat when the two dolphins made an appearance and followed the boat for much of the trip. Sightings were also […]
Guest blog by Gareth Williams, Environment Agency If you spend time on or around the water of the Solent’s harbours, you will likely have noticed high levels of bright green macroalgae, on the shore or in the water. Wet winters are causing an increase in green macroalgae across the Solent, but this is set to […]
Two people have recently been prosecuted in court for contravening the Chichester Harbour Byelaws, which exist to protect the safety of all harbour users. On 5th August 2024, local restaurateur, Mr Tim Vaughan was found guilty of navigating motor vessel Bruiser V at excessive speeds in Chichester Harbour. Mr Vaughan who pleaded guilty by post […]
In July 2024 the Solent Seascape Project was endorsed by the United Nations. Chichester Harbour Conservancy is a proud partner in the project, the first seascape-scale marine restoration project in the UK, leading the way to restore, protect and connect nature within the Solent. The United Nations Ocean Decade brings together individuals and organisations to […]
A new interactive watersports map will help people get the most out of Chichester, Langstone and Portsmouth Harbours, enjoying the spectacular scenery whilst supporting local wildlife populations. If you enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking, sailing you’ll know that paddle sports are a great way to connect with natural surroundings. But the growing popularity of these sports […]
Today saw the first steps towards restoring Chichester Harbour native oyster populations. The team from the Solent Seascape Project visited to lay oyster “coupelles” on the seabed. These will monitor existing native oyster larvae within the harbour. Why restore Oysters? For hundreds of years, Chichester Harbour was famed for its oysters. Native oysters (as distinct […]
An eco-friendly antifoul was recently applied to Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s solar-powered tour boat. The Solar Heritage, underwent routine maintenance at Hayling Yacht Company on Hayling Island and following the application of a new silicone-based antifoul, the boat’s green credentials are better than ever. The majority of antifouls used on vessels throughout the UK contain biocides, […]
This summer a few pairs of Avocets have successfully bred within Chichester Harbour; the Avocet chicks have been “colour ringed” to help track them and provide important conservation data for the future. Early one June morning, a team led by Pete Potts, a licenced bird-ringer, gathered at Snowhill Marsh on the edge of Chichester Harbour. […]