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{{Short description|Harbour & Site of Special Scientific Interest in Chichester, West Sussex}}
[[Image:ChichesterHarbour-WestWittering.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Various boats in Chichester Harbour, looking towards the beach at [[West Wittering, Sussex|West Wittering]]]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
'''Chichester Harbour''' is a large natural harbour to the south west of the city of [[Chichester, West Sussex|Chichester]] on the [[English Channel]]; geographically it is a [[ria]]. It is one of four natural harbours in that area of the coastline, the others being [[Portsmouth Harbour]], [[Langstone Harbour]] and [[Pagham]] Harbour. It is managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy [http://www.conservancy.co.uk/].
{{Use British English|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox protected area
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| photo_caption = View of the harbour from [[West Wittering]]
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'''Chichester Harbour''' is a large [[Harbor|natural harbour]] in [[West Sussex]] and [[Hampshire]]. It is situated to the south-west of the city of [[Chichester]] and to the north of the [[Solent]]. The harbour and surrounding land has been designated as an [[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]] (AONB) and a biological and geological [[Site of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSI).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.conservancy.co.uk/page/landscape|title=Landscape|publisher=Chichester Harbour Conservancy|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-date=9 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409210310/https://www.conservancy.co.uk/page/landscape|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=dsv>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003245&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Chichester Harbour |series= Sites of Special Scientific Interest |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 20 April 2019 |archive-date= 28 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210528135629/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteDetail.aspx?SiteCode=S1003245&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name=map>{{cite web|url= https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271003245%27|title= Map of Chichester Harbour|series= Sites of Special Scientific Interest|publisher= Natural England|access-date= 20 April 2019|archive-date= 6 November 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161106152837/http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx?startTopic=Designations&activelayer=sssiIndex&query=HYPERLINK%3D%271003245%27|url-status= live}}</ref> The area is also part of the Solent Maritime [[Special Area of Conservation]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK0030059&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Solent Maritime |series= Special Areas of Conservation |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 28 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210528135630/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK0030059&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref> Chichester and [[Langstone Harbour]]s [[Ramsar site]],<ref>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK11013&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Chichester and Langstone Harbours |series= Ramsar Site |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 1 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190401162727/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK11013&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref> [[Special Protection Area]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK9011011&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Chichester and Langstone Harbours |series= Special Protection Areas |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 1 April 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190401162824/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteGeneralDetail.aspx?SiteCode=UK9011011&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&unitId=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref> and [[Nature Conservation Review]] site, Grade I.<ref>{{cite book|editor-first=Derek |editor-last=Ratcliffe |title=A Nature Conservation Review|volume=2 |pages=3–4 |publisher= Cambridge University Press|location =Cambridge, UK |year=1977|isbn= 0521-21403-3 }}</ref> Part of it is a [[Geological Conservation Review]] site<ref>{{cite web |url= http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4174&gcr=1849 |title= East Head (Chichester Harbour) (Coastal Geomorphology of England) |series= Geological Conservation Review |publisher= Joint Nature Conservation Committee |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 5 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120905040622/http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4174&gcr=1849 |url-status= live }}</ref> and two areas are [[Local Nature Reserve]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009054&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Nutborne Marshes |series= Local Nature Reserves |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091106/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009054&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009073&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |title= Designated Sites View: Pilsey Island |series= Local Nature Reserves |publisher= Natural England |access-date= 6 April 2019 |archive-date= 27 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091353/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteLNRDetail.aspx?SiteCode=L1009073&SiteName=&countyCode=46&responsiblePerson=&SeaArea=&IFCAArea= |url-status= live }}</ref>

Chichester Harbour is a {{convert|3,733.5 |ha|acre|abbr=off |adj=on }} area that is managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy, an independent public body that was established by an [[Act of Parliament (UK)|Act of Parliament]] in 1971.<ref name=Conservancy>{{cite web|title=Chichester Harbour Conservancy|url=http://www.conservancy.co.uk/|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=6 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206231036/http://www.conservancy.co.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
Chichester Harbour is one of four natural harbours in that area of the coastline, the others being [[Portsmouth Harbour]], [[Langstone Harbour]] and [[Pagham Harbour]]. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England and remains relatively wild. Its wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain's most popular boating waters.
To the south west of the entrance to Chichester Harbour is Chichester Bar, a shallow [[Spit (landform)|spit]] which can present a significant [[navigation]] hazard at all states of the [[tide]]. The entrance to the harbour is deep with a fast tidal stream and to the east of the main harbour entrance channel is a gravel bank known as The Winner. The east side of the harbour entrance is an area of geographical, recreational and conservation interest known as East Head. It is a large sand dune linked to land by a narrow area known as The Hinge. In recent years The Hinge has been breached by several storms and then repaired. There is much debate about whether and how it should continue to be repaired. Chichester harbour has three main channels. The Emsworth Channel, the Thorney Channel and the Chichester Channel, which also branches off into the Bosham Lake.


The massive stretch of tidal flats and saltings are of outstanding ecological significance. Very large populations of wildfowl and waders use the mudflats feeding on the rich plant life and the huge populations of intertidal invertebrates. More than 7,500 Brent geese overwinter on the intertidal mud-land and adjacent farmland and around 55,000 birds reside in or visit the Harbour throughout the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://landscapesforlife.org.uk/about-aonbs/aonbs/overview|title=Overview map of the UK's Areas of Outstanding Beauty|website=landscapesforlife.org.uk|access-date=5 March 2021|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203050747/https://landscapesforlife.org.uk/about-aonbs/aonbs/overview|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Conservation==

Chichester Harbour is an [[Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales|Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]]. It has a large [[saltmarsh]] [[Habitat (ecology)|habitat]] and is important as a fish nursery and for overwintering [[waterfowl]].
The harbour is one of the south coast's most popular sailing waters with as many as 12,500 craft regularly using the harbour, with competitive racing taking place among the 14 sailing clubs of the Chichester Harbour Federation.<ref name=Chifed>{{cite web|title=Chichester Harbour Federation|url=http://www.chifed.org/|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102051719/http://www.chifed.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> The villages, sea walls and footpaths are a popular leisure area for residents and tourists alike.

Set up by the ''Chichester Harbour Conservancy Act 1971'', Chichester Harbour Conservancy has the duty to conserve, maintain and improve the harbour and amenity area for recreation, natural conservation and natural beauty. As well as being the statutory harbour authority, the Conservancy manages the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).<ref name=Conservancy />

To the south west of the entrance to Chichester Harbour is Chichester Bar, a shallow [[Spit (landform)|spit]] which can present a significant [[navigation]] hazard at all states of the [[tide]]. The entrance to the harbour is deep with a fast tidal stream and to the east of the main harbour entrance channel is a gravel bank known as The Winner.

The east side of the harbour entrance is an area of geographical, recreational and conservation interest known as East Head. It is a large sand dune linked to land by a narrow area known as The Hinge. In recent years The Hinge has been breached by several storms and then repaired. There is much debate about whether and how it should continue to be repaired.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}

The western boundary with [[Langstone Harbour]] is defined by a historic causeway known as the wade way, once the principal access from [[Hayling Island]] to the mainland, but since bisected by a deep channel for the Portsmouth and Chichester Canal in the 1820s, and no longer safely traversable.

Chichester Harbour has three main channels. The Emsworth Channel, the Thorney Channel and the Chichester Channel, which also branches off into the Bosham Lake and Itchenor Reach.

===Harbour villages===
The harbourside settlements are: [[Birdham]], [[Bosham]], [[Chidham and Hambrook|Chidham]], [[Apuldram#Dell Quay|Dell Quay]], [[Emsworth]], [[Fishbourne, West Sussex|Fishbourne]], [[Langstone, Hampshire|Langstone]], [[Northney]], [[South Hayling]], [[Southbourne, West Sussex|Southbourne]], [[West Itchenor]], [[West Thorney]] and [[West Wittering]]. The nearest towns are [[Chichester]] and [[Havant]]. The harbour lowlands contain high quality arable farmland. Boatyards, marinas and commercial fishing are important elements of the local economy.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}

{{Location map+ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |float=center |width=750 |caption=List of harbourside settlements |places=
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.79683|long=-0.83204|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Birdham]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.8314|long=-0.8562|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Bosham]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.82914|long=-0.88307|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Chidham and Hambrook|Chidham]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.822|long=-0.806|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Apuldram#Dell Quay|Dell Quay]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.84614110290929|long=-0.9361293847917533|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Emsworth]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.8354|long=-0.812|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Fishbourne, West Sussex|Fishbourne]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.8389|long=-0.9813|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Langstone, Hampshire|Langstone]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.82873|long=-0.963493|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Northney]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.78853|long=-0.977438|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[South Hayling]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.84503|long=-0.90811|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[Southbourne, West Sussex|Southbourne]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.80536|long=-0.86676|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[West Itchenor]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.815166|long=-0.911221|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[West Thorney]]'''|position=right}}
{{Location map~ |United Kingdom Chichester Harbour |lat=50.7806|long=-0.89575|marksize = 10|label_size=90 |label='''[[West Wittering]]'''|position=right}}
}}

==Biology and geology==
[[File:Bosham.1.5.05.jpg|thumb|[[Bosham]]|250px]]
The harbour has diverse habitats, including intertidal mudflats, shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, marshes and woodland. The mudflats provide feeding grounds for internationally important numbers of [[ringed plover]]s, [[grey plover]]s, [[Common redshank|redshank]]s, [[black-tailed godwit]]s, [[dunlin]]s, [[sanderling]]s, [[Eurasian curlew|curlews]] and [[greenshank]]s. There are geologically important sand dunes and shingles at East Head and east of [[Langstone, Hampshire|Langstone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1003245.pdf|title=Chichester Harbour citation|series=Sites of Special Scientific Interest|publisher=Natural England|access-date=20 April 2019|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528135631/https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/PDFsForWeb/Citation/1003245.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Water quality===
The quality of water in the harbour was called into question when samples taken in 2022 were found to contain traces of numerous chemical compounds including prescribed medicines. The harbour has outflow from a water treatment plant.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=BBC News|last1=Fisher|first1=Jonah|last2=Cozens|first2=Jo|title=Drugs, pesticides and medicine found in south coast seawater|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-65837459|date=9 June 2023|access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>

==Designation==
{| class=wikitable
!Year
!Classification
!Legislation
|-
| 1964
| Chichester Harbour '''[[Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]]'''
| ''[[National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949]]''
|-
| 1970
| Chichester Harbour '''[[Site of Special Scientific Interest]]'''
| ''[[Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]]''
|-
| 1987
| Chichester and Langstone Harbours '''[[Ramsar site]]'''
| ''[[Birds Directive|Council Directive 2009/147/EC]]''
|-
| 1987
| Chichester and Langstone Harbours '''[[Special Protection Area]]'''
| ''Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017''
|-
| 1992
| Solent Maritime '''[[Special Area of Conservation]]'''
| ''Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010''
|}


==Recreation==
==Recreation==
[[File:Itchenor Sailing Club - geograph.org.uk - 1410100.jpg|thumb|[[Itchenor Sailing Club]]|250px]]
It is used for a wide variety of [[sailing]], from [[sailing dinghy|dinghy]] racing to [[yacht]] [[marinas]]. It is also used for [[fishing]].
Chichester Harbour is used for a wide variety of [[sailing]], including [[sailing dinghy|dinghy]] racing; it is the venue for the 'Itchenor Gallon' race for the [[International 14]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Yachts & Yachting|title=International 14 Gallon Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club|url=http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/177131/International-14-Gallon-Trophy|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102062355/http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/177131/International-14-Gallon-Trophy|url-status=live}}</ref> There are several [[yacht]] [[marinas]]. It is also used for [[fishing]].


Harbour tours depart year round from Itchenor in either a traditional boat or in ''Solar Heritage'', a solar powered boat. During the summer regular trips depart from Emsworth on ''Solar Heritage'' and on the Victorian oyster boat ''[[The Terror (boat)|Terror]]''.
==Sailing Clubs of Chichester Harbour==

*Bosham Sailing Club [http://www.boshamsc.co.uk ]
There is a small dory that operates as a ferry service between Itchenor and Bosham.
*Chichester Yacht Club [http://www.cyc.co.uk ]

*Chichester Cruiser Racing Club [http://www.ccrc.co.uk ]
The harbour is a very popular area for [[birdwatching]]; guided bird walks and boat trips are offered during the winter months by Chichester Harbour Conservancy.
*Dell Quay Sailing Club [http://www.dqsc.co.uk ]

*Emsworth Sailing Club [http://www.emsworthsc.org.uk ]
There is a network of footpaths for walkers and a cycle route from Chichester to West Wittering which passes through harbour countryside.
*Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club [http://www.emsworthslippersc.org.uk ]

*[[Hayling Island Sailing Club]] [http://www.hisc.co.uk]
West Wittering Beach and East Head is the only sandy beach on the West Sussex coast and is a popular family and tourist destination on warm weekends.
*Itchenor Sailing Club [http://www.itchenorsc.co.uk ]
*Langstone Sailing Club [http://www.langstonesc.org.uk ]
*Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club [http://www.mengeham.org.uk ]
*Thorney Island Sailing Club [http://www.thorneysc.org.uk ]
*West Wittering Sailing Club [http://www.wwsc.co.uk ]


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Hayling Island Lifeboat Station]]
*[[Bosham]]

*[[Emsworth]]
==References==
*[[Hayling Island]]
{{reflist}}
*[[Thorney Island (West Sussex)|Thorney Island]]
{{commons category|Chichester Harbour}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080215103838/http://www.boshamwebcam.com/ Bosham webcam]
*{{gbmapping|SU755000}}
*[http://www.conservancy.co.uk/ Official website]
*[http://www.landscapesforlife.org.uk/about-aonbs/visit-aonbs/chichester-harbour-aonb// Official website]
*[http://chichesterharbourtrust.co.uk/ Chichester Harbour Trust]
*[http://chichesterharbourtrust.co.uk/ Chichester Harbour Trust]

*[http://www.horsevet.co.uk/morleys/harbourmap.gif Map of Chichester Harbour showing racing marks]
{{AONBs in England}}
*[http://www.chichester-harbour.co.uk/ Useful resource with forums, photos and webcam]
{{SSSIs Hampshire biological}}
{{Hydrology of Hampshire}}


[[Category:Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England]]
[[Category:Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England]]
[[Category:West Sussex]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of West Sussex]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of the English Channel]]
[[Category:Chichester]]
[[Category:Chichester]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Hampshire]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Hampshire]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in West Sussex]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest in West Sussex]]
[[Category:Sites of Special Scientific Interest notified in 1970]]
[[Category:Nature Conservation Review sites]]
[[Category:Nature Conservation Review sites]]
[[Category:Ramsar sites in England]]

[[Category:Beaches of West Sussex]]

{{Sussex-geo-stub}}
{{UK-SSSI-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:21, 12 June 2023

Chichester Harbour
View of the harbour from West Wittering
Chichester Harbour AONB locator map.svg
LocationWest Sussex, England
Hampshire, England
Established1964 (AONB)
Full list below
Websitehttps://www.conservancy.co.uk

Chichester Harbour is a large natural harbour in West Sussex and Hampshire. It is situated to the south-west of the city of Chichester and to the north of the Solent. The harbour and surrounding land has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[1][2][3] The area is also part of the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation,[4] Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site,[5] Special Protection Area[6] and Nature Conservation Review site, Grade I.[7] Part of it is a Geological Conservation Review site[8] and two areas are Local Nature Reserves.[9][10]

Chichester Harbour is a 3,733.5-hectare (9,226-acre) area that is managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy, an independent public body that was established by an Act of Parliament in 1971.[11]

Description[edit]

Chichester Harbour is one of four natural harbours in that area of the coastline, the others being Portsmouth Harbour, Langstone Harbour and Pagham Harbour. It is one of the few remaining undeveloped coastal areas in Southern England and remains relatively wild. Its wide expanses and intricate creeks are at the same time a major wildlife haven and among some of Britain's most popular boating waters.

The massive stretch of tidal flats and saltings are of outstanding ecological significance. Very large populations of wildfowl and waders use the mudflats feeding on the rich plant life and the huge populations of intertidal invertebrates. More than 7,500 Brent geese overwinter on the intertidal mud-land and adjacent farmland and around 55,000 birds reside in or visit the Harbour throughout the year.[12]

The harbour is one of the south coast's most popular sailing waters with as many as 12,500 craft regularly using the harbour, with competitive racing taking place among the 14 sailing clubs of the Chichester Harbour Federation.[13] The villages, sea walls and footpaths are a popular leisure area for residents and tourists alike.

Set up by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Act 1971, Chichester Harbour Conservancy has the duty to conserve, maintain and improve the harbour and amenity area for recreation, natural conservation and natural beauty. As well as being the statutory harbour authority, the Conservancy manages the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).[11]

To the south west of the entrance to Chichester Harbour is Chichester Bar, a shallow spit which can present a significant navigation hazard at all states of the tide. The entrance to the harbour is deep with a fast tidal stream and to the east of the main harbour entrance channel is a gravel bank known as The Winner.

The east side of the harbour entrance is an area of geographical, recreational and conservation interest known as East Head. It is a large sand dune linked to land by a narrow area known as The Hinge. In recent years The Hinge has been breached by several storms and then repaired. There is much debate about whether and how it should continue to be repaired.[citation needed]

The western boundary with Langstone Harbour is defined by a historic causeway known as the wade way, once the principal access from Hayling Island to the mainland, but since bisected by a deep channel for the Portsmouth and Chichester Canal in the 1820s, and no longer safely traversable.

Chichester Harbour has three main channels. The Emsworth Channel, the Thorney Channel and the Chichester Channel, which also branches off into the Bosham Lake and Itchenor Reach.

Harbour villages[edit]

The harbourside settlements are: Birdham, Bosham, Chidham, Dell Quay, Emsworth, Fishbourne, Langstone, Northney, South Hayling, Southbourne, West Itchenor, West Thorney and West Wittering. The nearest towns are Chichester and Havant. The harbour lowlands contain high quality arable farmland. Boatyards, marinas and commercial fishing are important elements of the local economy.[citation needed]

class=notpageimage|
List of harbourside settlements

Biology and geology[edit]

Bosham

The harbour has diverse habitats, including intertidal mudflats, shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, marshes and woodland. The mudflats provide feeding grounds for internationally important numbers of ringed plovers, grey plovers, redshanks, black-tailed godwits, dunlins, sanderlings, curlews and greenshanks. There are geologically important sand dunes and shingles at East Head and east of Langstone.[14]

Water quality[edit]

The quality of water in the harbour was called into question when samples taken in 2022 were found to contain traces of numerous chemical compounds including prescribed medicines. The harbour has outflow from a water treatment plant.[15]

Designation[edit]

Year Classification Legislation
1964 Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
1970 Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
1987 Chichester and Langstone Harbours Ramsar site Council Directive 2009/147/EC
1987 Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
1992 Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010

Recreation[edit]

Itchenor Sailing Club

Chichester Harbour is used for a wide variety of sailing, including dinghy racing; it is the venue for the 'Itchenor Gallon' race for the International 14.[16] There are several yacht marinas. It is also used for fishing.

Harbour tours depart year round from Itchenor in either a traditional boat or in Solar Heritage, a solar powered boat. During the summer regular trips depart from Emsworth on Solar Heritage and on the Victorian oyster boat Terror.

There is a small dory that operates as a ferry service between Itchenor and Bosham.

The harbour is a very popular area for birdwatching; guided bird walks and boat trips are offered during the winter months by Chichester Harbour Conservancy.

There is a network of footpaths for walkers and a cycle route from Chichester to West Wittering which passes through harbour countryside.

West Wittering Beach and East Head is the only sandy beach on the West Sussex coast and is a popular family and tourist destination on warm weekends.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Landscape". Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  2. ^ "Designated Sites View: Chichester Harbour". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Archived from the original on 28 May 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  3. ^ "Map of Chichester Harbour". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  4. ^ "Designated Sites View: Solent Maritime". Special Areas of Conservation. Natural England. Archived from the original on 28 May 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Designated Sites View: Chichester and Langstone Harbours". Ramsar Site. Natural England. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  6. ^ "Designated Sites View: Chichester and Langstone Harbours". Special Protection Areas. Natural England. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  7. ^ Ratcliffe, Derek, ed. (1977). A Nature Conservation Review. Vol. 2. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 0521-21403-3.
  8. ^ "East Head (Chichester Harbour) (Coastal Geomorphology of England)". Geological Conservation Review. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  9. ^ "Designated Sites View: Nutborne Marshes". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  10. ^ "Designated Sites View: Pilsey Island". Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  11. ^ a b "Chichester Harbour Conservancy". Archived from the original on 6 December 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  12. ^ "Overview map of the UK's Areas of Outstanding Beauty". landscapesforlife.org.uk. Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  13. ^ "Chichester Harbour Federation". Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Chichester Harbour citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 May 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2019.
  15. ^ Fisher, Jonah; Cozens, Jo (9 June 2023). "Drugs, pesticides and medicine found in south coast seawater". BBC News. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  16. ^ "International 14 Gallon Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club". Yachts & Yachting. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
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External links[edit]

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