Chichester Harbour National Landscape
The Conservancy has acted as the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 16th November 1971, and it continues to be recognised in this capacity by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). With the rebranding of AONBs to National Landscapes in 2023, the Conservancy became the JAC for the National Landscape. The relevant authorities are: West Sussex County Council, Hampshire County Council, Chichester District Council and Havant Borough Council. Chichester Harbour Conservancy is a member of the National Landscapes Association and EUROPARC Atlantic Isles.
Statutory Harbour Authority
As the Statutory Harbour Authority, Chichester Harbour Conservancy is bound by a range of harbour and shipping legislation which is detailed in our Marine Safety Management System and Safety Plan. Chichester Harbour Conservancy adheres to the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code, a nationally agreed set of standards for ports and harbours.
Chichester Harbour Marine Safety Management System and Safety Plan
Members of the Conservancy
There are 15 Members of the Conservancy. Four Members are appointed by West Sussex County Council, four from Hampshire County Council, two from Chichester District Council, two from Havant Borough Council, with three joining from the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is a stakeholder group that draws upon interests including sailing and boating, nature conservation, farming, commercial interests and the needs of local residents.
Funding
Chichester Harbour Conservancy’s income is from five main sources:
- Harbour dues – which are paid by all craft using the Harbour.
- Mooring charges – which are paid by those who hire Conservancy moorings or mooring sites.
- Deficit Contributions – paid by two County Councils.
- Defra – funding for conservation staff and some associated projects.
- Gifts and grants – bodies such the Chichester Harbour Friends give grants for specific projects.
How funds are spent
Harbour dues paid by vessel owners meet the cost of running the harbour, maintaining the navigation marks, controlling works and dredging and enforcing the byelaws. Mooring charges meet the cost of maintaining and administering Chichester Harbour Conservancy moorings and mooring sites and contribute to the cost of running the harbour. Conservation work includes access, countryside management, ecology, education, farming, nature recovery, and planning.