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 […]
CHaPRoN and nine other environmental organisations working in the Solent region have been granted $5m to carry out a five-year project to restore some of the area’s endangered marine habitats. The money has been awarded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme with a remit to restore seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, saltmarsh and seabird nesting habitat across […]
Respect the landscape, wildlife and heritage of Chichester Harbour Raise your awareness of the local environment Take time to learn more about this unique Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pop into the Harbour Office to pick up information, leaflets and guides. You will find interpretation panels all around the Harbour and these will tell you […]
The Arun & Rother Rivers Trust (ARRT) are working on a 10 year restoration plan for the River Ems to set long term goals for restoration and protection. They need help from local people to make sure it is as relevant as possible and considers all opinions. With the plan co-designed with the local community […]
We’ve received confirmation from Defra, the UK Health Security Agency, that two cases of Avian Flu have been detected in Chichester Harbour. Defra are continuing to monitor the outbreak across the country, with the Conservancy team closely observing the situation locally. The confirmation comes following a number of dead Mute Swans being found in the […]
In February 2022, Storm Eunice struck resulting in extensive damage at Chichester Harbour, affecting multiple sea defences, buildings, and infrastructure. One of the casualties was Footpath 3059. The damage forced the closure of this popular path, with walkers asked to divert across the nearby paddock via Footpath 555. After close examination there’s now some careful […]
Academic research plays a key role in helping understand the pressures on Chichester Harbour. We’ve been working closely with Brighton University to develop a PhD opportunity into the impact of contaminants within the Harbour and we’re delighted that Chichester Harbour Conservancy, together with the Manor of Bosham, are sponsoring a PhD led by Brighton University, […]
Sarah Chatfield has been appointed as CHaPRoN Manager, to lead on the Chichester Harbour Protection & Recovery of Nature (CHaPRoN) partnership initiative. Sarah has worked for Chichester Harbour Conservancy for over 12 years, working originally as part of the Education Team supporting young people. Sarah joined the Conservancy as a Harbour Teacher before becoming the Education […]