Background: In 2021 Natural England’s Condition Review downgraded the Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest to “Unfavourable Declining”. This is primarily due to the loss of saltmarsh within the harbour (58% since 1945) through “coastal squeeze”. The presence of hard structures (such as sea walls) restricts the natural processes of the coastline and the […]
CHaPRoN was formed to protect, enhance and drive recovery of the natural environment within Chichester Harbour and help create a landscape more resilient to climate change. It is a partnership initiative, bringing stakeholders together to align interests and work collaboratively to deliver greater outcomes. As part of this work, we’ve now shared our first CHaPRoN […]
Footpath 108/56/2 is part of the coastal route that connects Langstone with Warblington. The footpath is part of the Wayfarers Walk and the Solent Way. Whilst the footpath is open, part of the sea defences has collapsed, which has raised some local concerns. The collapsed section of the sea wall is not under any ownership […]
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Briers CBE as Chief Executive of Chichester Harbour Conservancy from 25 April, following a competitive recruitment round. Matt had a distinguished 37-year career in the Royal Navy, serving as a warfare officer at sea and aviator in the Fleet Air Arm. As well as a range […]
Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a landscape of national and international importance. Chichester Harbour Conservancy employs around 25 permanent staff, with a similar number of people on casual or seasonal contracts. Activity in the Harbour is largely recreational with around 9,000 vessels over 3 metres in length, 3,200 swinging moorings, 2,000 […]
Chichester Harbour Conservancy are delighted to announce the appointment of Captain Joanna Cox as the next Harbour Master at Chichester Harbour. Jo is currently the Harbour Master of the Falkland Islands, and formerly Master of the Royal Research Ship Discovery. The majority of her 17-year seafaring career was gained on research and logistic vessels operated […]
A new Citizen Science project is being undertaken in Chichester and Langstone Harbours. The project, which is being led by the University of Brighton, is looking at pollution in the Harbours caused by fibreglass boats. The team are keen to hear from the local community around Chichester and Langstone Harbours concerning aquatic littering and pollution. […]
As part of the Solent Seascape Project, we’re planning a saltmarsh restoration trial project at West Itchenor. The trial will use an innovative new technique to help restore saltmarsh habitat. Saltmarsh is an amazing coastal ecosystem which stores carbon, helps natural sea defences, improves water quality and promotes biodiversity. The trial will use sediment collected […]
Seagrass meadows are an important coastal ecosystem. However they can be heavily impacted by recreational boat users, especially when anchoring and mooring their vessels. Lots of work is being undertaken to protect and re-establish seagrass, and a new initiative – funded by the EU Life Programme – is helping support project work in this area. […]
Footpath 3059, at Fishbourne, suffered damage as a result of Storm Eunice in February 2022, and has since been temporarily closed for safety reasons. With coastal change very much in mind, and the need for more sustainable management solutions, careful consideration on how best to manage the area for the future is required. This includes […]
The coastline in Chichester Harbour is ever changing. Over the past 2 million years sea levels have risen and fallen as the Earth’s climate has changed. Each time there’s an Ice Age, the Earth’s water freezes trapping ice and causing sea levels to fall. When the climate warms up, ice melts and ends up back […]
There are 15 arable farms in Chichester Harbour AONB and 68% of the land is under crop. 70% of farmland is classed as excellent (Grade 1) or very good (Grade 2) and 87% (1,892 hectares) is managed under Environmental Stewardship Schemes which help to protect and enhance the environment. We work with landowners to plant […]