Chichester Harbour

About Chichester Harbour

Chichester Harbour is a large natural harbor with multiple channels and islands. The area is important for wildlife, particularly coastal birds and marine life. Its sheltered waters make it popular for sailing and water sports.

Fauna

This AONB is internationally renowned for its bird populations, supporting over 50,000 waterfowl during winter months. Notable species include Brent geese, dunlin, and redshank. The mudflats teem with marine life including mullet, bass, and numerous shellfish species. Harbour seals are regular visitors, while the grasslands support diverse butterfly populations.

Flora

The harbour supports diverse coastal plant communities, including extensive areas of saltmarsh containing species like sea lavender, samphire, and cord grass. The upper shores host rare maritime plants such as divided sedge and sea heath. Ancient woodland areas feature oak, ash, and hazel, while coastal grasslands display an array of wildflowers during spring and summer.

Geology

Formed during the last ice age, Chichester Harbour is a classic ria, or drowned river valley, created when rising sea levels flooded the original river valleys. The harbour features extensive mudflats, salt marshes, and sand dunes, underlain by London Clay and Reading Beds. This unique geological formation creates the distinctive fingers of water and peninsulas that characterize the harbour's appearance.

History

This natural harbour has been a center of maritime activity for over 2,000 years, from Roman settlements to medieval trading ports. The harbour played a crucial role in shipbuilding during the 18th and 19th centuries and served as a strategic location during World War II. Today's landscape reflects this rich heritage through historic villages, ancient churches, and traditional fishing communities that dot the shoreline.

Notable Features

The harbour encompasses 3,733 hectares of protected landscape, featuring distinctive landmarks such as Itchenor's historic waterfront, Dell Quay's ancient port, and the picturesque Bosham Channel. The area includes 27 miles of public footpaths, including the popular Harbour Way trail. Multiple sailing clubs, marinas, and the Chichester Harbour Conservancy's education center make this AONB a hub for maritime recreation and environmental education.

Climate & Weather

Chichester Harbour enjoys a mild maritime climate typical of southern England, with average summer temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and winter temperatures rarely falling below 5°C (41°F). The area experiences relatively low rainfall compared to other UK regions, making it popular for sailing and outdoor activities year-round. Prevailing southwesterly winds create ideal conditions for water sports, while the sheltered nature of the harbour provides protection from severe weather.