Chichester Harbour – Credit: Brian Bracher @CompassPhotos
Working in Chichester Harbour: A Haven of Natural Beauty on the South Coast of England
Alison Wakelin, marina director of the multiple award-winning and employee-owned Emsworth Yacht Harbour, describes her role as a long-term resident and natural stakeholder in the health of Chichester Harbour. Bridging commercial and conservation interests, and contributing to innovative projects such as oyster restoration, the marina demonstrates a proactive and exemplary commitment to the harbour’s sustainable future.
She shares her experience of being involved:
Working with the Chichester Harbour Conservancy has been a wonderful opportunity for me to both “give something back” and to learn more about the many issues facing the area. Our success as a business at Emsworth Yacht Harbour is dependent on access to the waters and shores of Chichester Harbour, which provide our customers with so many great experiences. Part of our vision at EYH is to engage and contribute to the local community and it has been a privilege to contribute to the running of this beautiful harbour. It has not all been altruistic though; understanding the issues which face the area and the strategies which are being employed by the managing organisations makes me better equipped to run my own business, making the involvement of mutual benefit.
Chichester Harbour: a special place to work and visit
Chichester Harbour is a protected National Landscape in the south of England, to be found between Portsmouth and Brighton with the South Downs National Park to the North. It is unique in being both a National Landscape and a harbour for recreational boating, with a unique form of governance established by the 1971 Chichester Harbour Act of Parliament.
I am lucky to have been involved for over thirty years in Chichester Harbour, since my parents invested in Emsworth Yacht Harbour, a 220 plus berth marina to be found at the northern end of the harbour. The harbour itself spans approximately 74 square kilometres with an intricate network of inlets, channels, and tidal flats which creates a mosaic of habitats that support a rich biodiversity.
The variety of landscapes is remarkable, from salt marshes to mudflats and it is home to an array of wildlife; in particular an impressive range of bird species, including oystercatchers, curlews, and the Brent goose. The tidal mudflats and salt marshes provide vital feeding grounds for these birds, especially during the winter months when migratory species visit the harbour. The waters of Chichester Harbour are equally rich in marine life, with species such as mullet, bass, and eel thriving in the estuarine environment plus a population of grey and harbour seals.
Historical Significance
The history of Chichester Harbour is as captivating as its landscapes. Archaeological evidence suggests human activity in the area dating back to the Neolithic period. Throughout the centuries, the harbour has been a hub of maritime activity, from Roman trade routes to medieval fishing villages. One of the notable historical landmarks is the Bosham Church, which dates back to Saxon times and is believed to be the burial place of King Canute’s daughter.
The harbour also played a strategic role during World War II, serving as a base for military operations and a site for crucial wartime infrastructure. Emsworth, the harbour village adjacent to our marina, is famous for oysters having been a major supplier and trader since the eighteenth century. In 1760 a reported 24,000 oysters were dredged from Emsworth Harbour on one tide alone and then sold in Portsmouth. The industry collapsed in the early 20th century when guests at a Winchester banquet became ill, and the Dean of Winchester died from typhoid attributed to eating Emsworth oysters served at the event.
Today Emsworth Yacht Harbour is at the forefront of plans to bring back the oyster with over 4,000 oysters being reintroduced to the harbour earlier this year in Europe’s largest marina-based oyster restoration project.
Recreational Activities
Today, Chichester Harbour offers a plethora of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Sailing and boating are extremely popular, with many sailing clubs and a number of marinas dotted around the harbour. The calm waters and scenic routes provide the perfect setting for both leisurely sails and competitive races. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also great ways to explore the harbour’s hidden corners and get up close to its wildlife.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are numerous walking and cycling trails that traverse the harbour’s coastline, offering stunning views and a chance to immerse oneself in nature. Birdwatching, fishing, and photography are additional activities that make Chichester Harbour a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts.
Managing Chichester Harbour
The Chichester Harbour Conservancy has responsibility for managing both the harbour and the National Landscape. The 1971 Act established the Conservancy structure, with a Board comprised primarily of elected local councillors from the two county councils and two district/borough councils. The Board is advised by a separate group, comprising stakeholders from across the harbour, who are all unpaid volunteers working for the good of the Harbour. This is how I became involved, as British Marine nominates a marine businessperson to sit on the Advisory Committee, to bring a commercial insight to discussions. I subsequently joined the main Board as one of three Advisory
representatives.
What does my role entail?
The Board and Advisory groups meet quarterly to discuss matters of strategic significance. The Board is also the Duty holder under the Port Marine Safety Code, the code of practice which governs the operation of harbours across the UK. Topics covered are wide-ranging from harbour safety to budgetary matters to conservation projects.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its beauty and ecological importance, Chichester Harbour faces many challenges. A recent report from Natural England highlighted the decline of the habitats within the harbour while climate change and rising sea levels pose an ongoing threat as do increasing development pressures. The Chichester Harbour Conservancy and other organisations are actively working to address these issues through habitat restoration projects, sustainable land management practices, and community engagement initiatives.
Looking to the future, the continued preservation of Chichester Harbour will require a collaborative effort between local authorities, conservationists, and the public to ensure that this treasured natural sanctuary remains protected for generations to come.
