Friends of Chichester Harbour

Latest News

Read the FCH comment on the Havant Borough Pre Submission Core Strategy

Read FCH comment on the North Solent Management Plan

See projects approved from April committee meeting

Friends response to Natural England's proposed UK Coastal Footpath

Friends response to Chichester District Council Strategic Growth public consultation

Standing orders introduced for membership subscriptions

September wildlife and recipe - see below

Chichester Harbour is uniquely attractive. With the rolling hills of the South Downs as a backdrop, the narrow harbour entrance breaks into four channels spread out like the fingers of a hand. Scattered around the shoreline are seven picturesque, vibrant villages. Its forty-seven miles of shoreline remain remarkably natural and clear of development. It is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Its habitat of estuarine mud, saltmarsh, reed beds, marsh grass and farmland support a large variety of wildlife. Its waters are home to fifty species of fish and marine life.

The harbour has the highest density of wetland birds in the UK.

The distinctly different habitats favour many species of butterflies, moths and insects, some immigrants from more Mediterranean climes. Half of the current list of British Large Moths is found here.

Amongst the mosaic of habitats, enthusiasts can find one of the greatest variety of plant species in a comparable area.

Though protected by National, European and International legislation, pressures on successful survival are ever increasing.

The Friends of Chichester Harbour need a strong membership to help preserve this unique area for future generations.

We are a registered charity, formed in 1987 concerned solely with sustaining and improving the environment of the harbour for the benefit of all users - both people and wildlife.

We support Chichester Harbour Conservancy in various practical ways, and help financially too – giving financial support towards care and improvement of the harbour environment. We are also represented on the Conservancy's advisory governing body.

If you appreciate the pleasures of Chichester Harbour why not join us as a Friend of Chichester Harbour. Our growing membership of over 3,000 people, includes sailors, fishermen, walkers, naturalists, wildfowlers, local residents and visitors and is open to any person interested in the well being of Chichester Harbour.

We need YOU

Awarded Freedom of the Harbour for outstanding conservation work

SEPTEMBER WILDLIFE

Bird life - many Oyster Catchers, some Teal, Sanderling, Cormorant and large numbers of Dunlin arrive this month to join the wintering flocks in the harbour.

Flora - Sea Aster, Sea Purslane, Orache, Sea Spurge and Sea Wormwood may still be in flower. See our shop page and order "Chichester Harbour A Reference Guide" for where to find them in the Harbour.

Blackthorn trees are loaded with dark blue berries called Sloes best picked after the first frost. However, blackberries are ready now. Butchers broom has fine displays of red berries. Rose hips are easily found. Growths on the harbour's coastal oaks can be seen this month caused by wasp species laying eggs where galls form to enclose the developing grubs.

This is the month to prepare your favourite chutney, jam and home made fruit cordials and wine.

September recipe - Blackberry Junket

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Friends of Chichester Harbour
c/o Harbour Office, Itchenor, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7AW
email: info@friendsch.org
Registered Charity No: 1051162

This is the area of Chichester Harbour - click on it for larger version

Below shows our location in the UK

UK map

Itchenor

Northney

Emsworth