CHICHESTER HARBOUR EVENTS - September
It's the 'back to school' month, so why not learn something new about the local area? Discover the harbor onboard the Solar Heritage, delve into the past with a geology walk or listen to fascinating tales about smuggling.

Sat 4 Sept Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 11:30 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Sun 5 Sept Earth, Air and Water: Presenting your Photos and Artwork for Exhibition
10am / 3 hours
You've done the workshops, been inspired by Chichester Harbour and now its time to think of submitting your work to our exhibition. This workshop will help you to make the most of your photographs, paintings and sculptures by learning and discussing how best to present them for display and sale. Fee: £2 to include refreshments, BOOKING ESSENTIAL on 01243 512301
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sun 5 Sept Shoreline Geology Walk: West Wittering
2:30pm / 2½ hours
A 2 mile (3 km) stroll to and along the shoreline taking time to look at local geological features. With local geology enthusiast David Bone.
Meet: St Peter and St Paul Church, West Wittering

Fri 10 Sept Heritage Open Days: Smuggling in Bygone Chichester Harbour
2pm / 1½ hours
A heritage-themed talk on local smuggling in bygone times by Linda Newell of Emsworth Museum finishing with complimentary refreshments.
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sat 11 Sept Bat Walk - 8pm / 2 hours
A walk of up to 3 miles (5km) at nightfall through the marina area, the woods at Salterns Copse and along the harbour shoreline, taking time to look out for and listen to bats using bat detectors. Bring a torch. Safety briefing 8pm prompt.
Meet: Chichester Marina visitors' car park

Sun 12 Sept Solar Boat Trip and Walk
1pm / 1½ hour boat trip and 1 hour walk
Explore the harbour onboard the solar-powered Solar Heritage. Leave the boat at Chichester Marina and then walk 3 miles (5km) through harbour countryside back to the start. Dress warmly and bring refreshments for the boat trip.
Fee: £7 adults, £3.50 up to 16 years BOOKING?ESSENTIAL on 01243 513275
Meet: Outside the Harbour Office, Itchenor

Wed 15 Sept Harbour Creekies: The Chichester Harbour Trust
10am / 1½ hours
An indoor session in the warmth and dry of the Education Room at the Lifeboat Station on Hayling, hearing about the role of the Chichester Harbour Trust in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Trust now owns 200 acres of land in the AONB and works with the community to protect the natural landscape. Fee: £2 on the day (£1 to RNLI) to include refreshments
Meet: Education Room, Lifeboat Station, Hayling Island

Sat 18 Sept Itchenor Walk - 10am / 2 hours
A 4 mile (6 km) circular walk of the Chichester harbour shoreline and countryside at Itchenor.
Meet: Harbour Office, Itchenor

Sun 19 Sep Beach Watch 2010 – Cobnor - 11am / 2 hours
Join the national event organised by the Marine Conservation Society to survey and collect shoreline litter. Wear old clothing, stout shoes/boots and bring waterproof gloves if you have them (spares provided). Bring a snack and flask for a short break. Parking by kind permission of Cobnor Estates.
Meet: Hard Users Car Park, Cobnor

Sun 19 Sept Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Legends
Departs: Itchenor At: 13:00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to hear fishy tales of days gone by. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Mon 20 Sept Terror Sailing Trip  Departs: 10:00 - Only 2 places left
Come aboard the restored Victorian oyster boat Terror for a 2 hour sailing trip from Emsworth. £12.50 adults, £5 children. To book please call 01243 513275

Thur 23 Sept Sandy Point - 10am / 2 hours
A stroll around Hayling Island's Sandy Point Nature Reserve looking at the distinctive plants and animals of the coastal heath and sand dunes. With Hampshire County Council's Countryside Rangers (tel. 02380 402534).
Meet: Sandy Point Nature Reserve, Hayling Island

Sat 25 Sept Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 15.00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Wed 29 Sept Terror Sailing Trip - Departs: 14:30 - only 1 place left
Come aboard the restored Victorian oyster boat Terror for a 2 hour sailing trip from Emsworth. £12.50 adults, £5 children. To book please call 01243 513275

Local Notice to Mariners No 15 of 2010
LASER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

Mariners are advised that various Laser World Championships will be held at Hayling Island Sailing Club on the following dates:
Laser World Championships (300 entrants) - 29 August to 5 September
Laser Masters World Championships (390 entrants) - 12 September to 19 September

Racing will take place outside the harbour in Hayling Bay. The first race on each day is due to start at 1300. The Practice Races for each event on 29 August and 12 September respectively will start at 1500. However, the programme of racing may be changed owing to the weather.

Whilst competitors are launching from Hayling Island Sailing and when in transit to Hayling Bay and returning, the harbour and its approaches will be congested and mariners are to navigate with care and caution.

J Q Davis OBE , Manager & Harbour Master

A recent survey has found that Chichester Harbour is a thriving nursery ground for juvenile fish. A wide range of species, including plaice, bass and mullett have been found throughout the harbour.

A new partnership project to find out which juvenile fish use Chichester Harbour is now underway. Five sites in the harbour were surveyed last week. These sites will now be surveyed twice a year so a picture can be built of the species.

The survey was carried out by laying a 45m survey net near the edge of a channel. The net was then carefully hauled back in. The team were thrilled to haul in around 200 fish on their two catches. The fish were quickly transferred to tubs of seawater. From there they were identified, measured and logged before being returned to the water.

Coming up with the fish were huge quantities of crabs. Dominic Longley of the Environment Agency, said this was a good sign of a thriving ecosystem as there is obviously plenty for the crabs to eat! Species of fish caught included Bass, Mullett, Plaice, Gobies and Sand Eels. The team were surprised to find a number of 15 spined sticklebacks, the only marine stickleback.

The project team is a partnership between Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Sussex Sea Fisheries Committee (SSFC) and the Environment Agency. SSFC are responsible for enforcing the Bass Nursery Regulations. Juvenile bass are protected within Chichester Harbour. Fishing for Bass from boats and certain other methods are prohibited within a closed season.

The Conservancy are keen to collect data on the species thriving under the water. Ed Rowsell, Conservation Officer said, ‘we capture lots of data on mammals and birds but know relatively little about the fish. These ongoing surveys will help us build a knowledge base and ensure that the harbour continues to be a place where juvenile fish can thrive’. Belinda Vause of Sussex Sea Fisheries added, ‘the data we are collecting will also be used by CEFAS for monitoring juvenile Bass in the Nursery area. The Environment Agency are working alongside the other organisations by providing equipment and expertise.

The results of the survey work will be available in due course on the Chichester Harbour website www.conservancy.co.uk.

DEPTHS CHICHESTER BAR

1. Mariners are advised that a bathymetric survey of Chichester Bar undertaken 11 June 2010 shows a least depth of 1.3m below Chart Datum.

2. Mariners are reminded of our standing advice that Chichester Bar is periodically dredged to 1.5m below Chart Datum. However through gradual accretion and after severe gales the depth can vary markedly and it is then prudent to assume a least depth of 0.8m below Chart Datum.

3. The latest survey is available to view on the Conservancy's website: www.conservancy.co.uk

4. Cancel LNTM 19/09

JQ Davis OBE
Manager & Harbour Master 25 June 2010

A 5 mile (8km) walk of the Chidham peninsula shoreline taking in the three splendid views to Nutbourne Bay, the main harbour channel and to Bosham. The paths may be muddy and some are well worn. Bring a snack for a short break. Meet: Cobnor Amenity Car Park

1. Mariners are advised that work to replace West Winner Beacon will recommence Tuesday 1 June 2010

2. The green conical top-mark of the West Winner Beacon will be removed for modifications. For a 24-hour period the pile will not display a day-mark and the light Q.G will have a reduced range of 2 nautical miles.

3. The work will be undertaken by the 24m Barge Walcon Wizard, which will anchor in the Fairway anchorage overnight 1 June 2010. Mariners are requested to create minimal wash when they pass this vessel.

4. The old pile will be extracted, and the new West Winner Beacon will be commissioned, complete with top-mark and original light, in a slightly modified position: 50° 46´.881 N, 00° 55´.983 W, Wednesday 2 June 2010.

5. Cancel this LNTM 3 June 2010.

6. Cancel LNTM 10/2010

JQ Davis OBE
Manager & Harbour Master
1 June 2010

Hayling Island Lifeboats - NEW BOOK

The Hayling Island Lifeboat Station has just published a new history of the Station covering the period since it was first opened by the RNLI in 1865. (It was closed in the ‘20's with the introduction of motor lifeboats to Bembridge and Selsey – and opened again in the ‘70's) It's a really good read with lots and lots of stunning pictures and charts of the area covered. Since opening the station has saved over 170 lives.

The book is 64 pages, A5 and costs £5.99 from the Station, or it can be ordered from:
H C Davies, 74 Sea Front, Hayling Island, PO11 9HL, please inc. £1 p&p.

As the cost of publication was covered by voluntary donation, every penny raised will go to the RNLI.

This eNewsletter is being sent on behalf of Project Kraken.

INCIDENT ALERTS

1. We have recently received a suspicious incident report of Eastern-European males making enquiries into high powered outboard engines for sale.

2. Please be aware that there are people trying to purchase boats from companies using false identity documents. It is thought that they are using this to money launder, as they are asking the companies to pay them back some money during the purchasing process.

If you do become involved in a similar incident to the one detailed above please contact Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45 and quote ‘Project Kraken’. Alternatively, you can e-mail the Project Kraken mailbox kraken@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.

More information on Marine Crime and Chichester Harbour can be found on the Conservancy website.

An enthusiastic team of volunteers from the Friends of Chichester Harbour, worked with Rangers from Chichester Harbour Conservancy to erect the new hide. The hide had been designed and built by the Rangers in their Itchenor workshop.

The new bird hide is open to all, to enjoy the views over Nutbourne Marshes. A colourful panel gives photos and information on the birds that might be spotted. Nicky Horter for the Conservancy said, ‘the new hide is a great improvement, this is a lovely, restful spot to stop and admire the view as well as to spend time watching our wonderful wildlife’.

The new hide is dedicated to Joan Edom, who grew up at Cobnor and was instrumental in achieving the Local Nature Reserve designation for the marshes. Joan was the Conservancy’s first conservation warden, as a volunteer and then in an honorary role. Joan set about organising the bird count system in Chichester Harbour which laid the foundation for the vast dataset now held by the Conservancy.

Diana Beale, Joan’s niece said, ‘It is fitting that the new hide is dedicated to her as it is at the spot where she would sit for days at a time with her thermoses, sandwiches and binoculars, guarding the nesting birds hour after hour!’

From left to right: Keith Rathbone, Georgia Siddle, Diana Beale, Nicky Horter

Late Availability of Conservancy Moorings

A3 Moorings at Itchenor
Due to late cancellations of moorings at Itchenor the Conservancy have four A3 mooring available at the eastern end of the Reach.

There are two moorings which can be accessed from the Westlands Boathouse rather than Itchenor; and two that are access from Itchenor.

The annual cost for these is £1074.15 inc Vat for a 12 month period. See website for more details and map.

B3 Moorings at Emsworth
There are also three quarter tide moorings suitable for Bilge keel yachts in the main Emsworth Channel and in Church Rithe, general details are available on the Conservancy web site.
Annual Cost: £636.60

A3 Moorings at Nutbourne
Available at Nutbourne are three deepwater moorings which can be accessed via the tidal dinghy chains south of Thornham Marina, Car parking is available for our customers at the Marina.
Annual Cost: 1044.29

For further details please contact Adrian Rowe – Moorings Officer – 01243 510980.

The theme of this year's competition is ‘Inspired by Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Each entrant can submit up to three photographs, each with a short caption explaining what makes the photograph special.

CHICHESTER HARBOUR ACTIVITIES FOR 2010

The latest packed programme of activities based around Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been released. The programme organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy features over 220 walks, activities and boat trips during the coming year.

A highlight of the programme will be the bi-annual Festival of Working Boats (15 April). Many colourful boats will be alongside the jetty at Itchenor ready to welcome you onboard. People of all ages will enjoy exploring the boats and meeting the crews that make their living on the waters of Chichester Harbour .

For history buffs there are two new activities. The first is a talk about the secret airfield at Apuldram during the Second World War. Later in the year there will be an opportunity to hear how the harbourside communities have developed over the decades whilst enjoying a trip on the Solar Heritage.

A number of art and photography sessions are featured in the programme. They cover a range of media from digital photography to driftwood art. These sessions will culminate in an exhibition of work inspired by the harbour at Chichester Yacht Club.

A fine selection of guided walks is on offer. From just a few miles to day long hikes there are plenty of opportunities for all to get out and explore the wonderful harbour footpaths.

There are lots of activities for families. Little ones will enjoy the cuddly toy walks, whilst older ones may like to learn to fish or have a fun and wet time on the Splash Walk.

Many enjoy seeing the harbour from the water. Regular trips will run on the Solar Heritage, a solar-powered boat taking up to 50 passengers. To experience the thrill of sailing in a vintage work boat, join one of the trips onboard Terror departing from Emsworth in the summer.

Judi Darley, Activities Officer commented: ‘The wide range of activities means we can offer something for all ages and interest groups. I am looking forward to welcoming anyone new on our range of walks and boat trips.'

Details of all these activities are available at www.conservancy.co.uk , or pick up a copy of the Chichester Harbour Programme from local libraries and tourist offices.

Chichester Harbour Events - May

May is our busiest month of the year - have a look at the variety of events and walks we have on offer. All sorts of subjects are covered from photography (2 May), to Gardening (23 May) and Fishing (29 May). For sessions that need booking, please call as soon as possible to reserve your place.

Terror Sailing Trips
Places still left on the following sailings: 6 May 17:00 / 12 May 10:00 / 15 May 12:00 / 18 May 14:30
Come aboard the restored Victorian oyster boat Terror for a 2 hour sailing trip from Emsworth. £12.50 adults, £5 children. For dates and times and to book please call 01243 513275.

Sun 2 May Earth, Air and Water: Introduction to Abstract Digital Photography
10am / 3 hours
After an introduction indoors, we will explore the shoreline with our digital cameras. Bring your own camera (check that you have enough battery power for the session), outdoor gear and footwear for muddy conditions. Safety briefing 10am prompt.
Fee: £5 per person to include refreshments, BOOKING ESSENTIAL on 01243 512301.
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Tues 2 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Legends
Departs: Itchenor At: 15:00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to hear fishy tales of days gone by. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Mon 3 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 11:00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Sat 8 May Earth, Air and Water: Environmental Art with Shoreline Found Objects
10am / 6 hours
Introduction followed by a shoreline scavenger hunt to obtain materials to create a piece of artwork inspired by Chichester Harbour. We'll then work in the classroom. Basic materials will be provided but you might like to bring a supporting base for your work. Bring outdoor clothes and footwear for muddy conditions. Bring a small bucket for your finds and a packed lunch.
Fee: £7 to include refreshments, BOOKING ESSENTIAL on 01243 512301.
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sun 9 May Geology of Apuldram Church
2:30pm / 2 hours
An opportunity to look closely at the surprising variety of building stones found in Apuldram Church in the company of local geology enthusiast David Bone.
Meet: Apuldram Church

Sun 9 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Nature
Departs: Itchenor At: 11.00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to hear more about the wildlife of this unique area. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Wed 12 May Sandy Point Walk
10am / 2 hours
A stroll around Hayling Island's Sandy Point Nature Reserve looking at the distinctive plants and animals of the coastal heath and sand dunes. With Hampshire County Council's Countryside Rangers (tel. 02380 402534).
Meet: Sandy Point Nature Reserve, Hayling Island

Sat 15 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 15.00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Sun 16 May Earth, Air and Water: Print-making Inspired by Chichester Harbour
10am / 4 hours
An introduction to print-making inspired by Chichester Harbour with Fran Davies, artist and Conservancy teacher. All materials will be provided.
Fee £7 to include materials and refreshments, BOOKING ESSENTIAL on 01243 512301
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Fri 21 May  Introduction to the Wheelchair-friendly paths of Chichester Harbour
2pm / 1½ hours
A short presentation indoors in our classroom on the locations of the official and permissive paths that are suitable for wheelchairs. Followed by complimentary refreshments. The safety barrier onto the quay will be left raised for access and parking next to the classroom but please note that the surface is gravel and the quay has a shoreline location.
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sat 22 May Langstone to Emsworth Walk
9:30am start / 2½ hours
A 5 mile (8 km) walk from Langstone along the Chichester Harbour shoreline to Emsworth, returning via the hamlet of Warblington after half an hour's break for an optional cafe stop in the village. Please note that some of the route is along shoreline shingle.
Meet: The Ship Inn, Langstone

Sun 23 May Your Garden in Chichester Harbour AONB
10am / 2 hours
An introduction to how you can manage your garden in the Chichester Harbour countryside with respect to the natural environment and landscape. To include an overview of the protected habitats of the harbour area, and suggestions on what to plant.
Fee £3 to include refreshments, BOOKING ESSENTIAL on 01243 512301
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sun 23 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 11.00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

Sat 29 May Introduction to Fishing
10am / 3 hours
Find out what you need and what you do, and then do some fishing from the quay. Bring any fishing gear that you have but if not we will have some rods to share round. Dress warmly. Refreshments available for a small donation or bring a picnic. For all ages. With Allan Blamire and members of Apuldram Fishing and Boating Club. Safety briefing 10am prompt.
Fee £2 per person on the day, to include bait
Meet: Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay

Sun 30 May Solar Boat Trip and Walk - In association with National Family Week
12 noon / 1½ hour boat trip and 1 hour walk
Explore the harbour onboard the solar-powered Solar Heritage. Leave the boat at Chichester Marina and then walk 3 miles (5km) through harbour countryside back to the start. Dress warmly and bring refreshments for the boat trip.
Fee: £7 adults, ½ price for children up to 16 years £1.75 BOOKING?ESSENTIAL on 01243 513275
Meet: Outside the Harbour Office, Itchenor

Mon 31 May Solar Boat Trip: Harbour Discovery
Departs: Itchenor At: 15.00 Fare: £7 / £3.50
Come onboard the Solar Heritage to see Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With general commentary. All tickets to be booked in advance on 01243 513275.

LATEST CHICHESTER HARBOUR NEWS OUT NOW

The 2010 edition of the Chichester Harbour News & Guide is now available. This full-colour, 84 page annual magazine is packed with features for locals and visitors to the harbour.

This year's edition showcases over 80 colour photographs, many of which were entered into the 2009 Chichester Harbour Photography Competition. In addition features, interviews and suggestions for days out all highlight the importance of Chichester Harbour as one of England 's finest landscapes.

Local journalist Janet McMeekin met four people who are lucky enough to live within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They all tell their own story and explain why the harbour is so special to them. Sandra Reidel took a trip around the harbour to investigate a number of ways in which the Conservancy has helped young ones to get out on the water. More experienced sailors will enjoy Keith Walker's exposition on how to use the harbour's currents to good effect when dinghy racing. History enthusiasts will enjoy the account of Arthur Ransome sailing in Chichester Harbour .

In addition there are updates on many of the Conservancy's projects including a seal tagging project and improvements to navigation in the harbour. Tourists and visiting yachtsmen will benefit from the navigational guidance and review of the harbourside villages. As always twelve months worth of tide tables are included, as is a useful map of the harbour area.

The Chichester Harbour News & Guide is funded by advertisers and a generous donation from the Friends of Chichester Harbour. This enables all 38,000 copies to be distributed free of charge. Boat owners registered with Chichester Harbour will receive a copy through the post. Copies are also available from local libraries, Chichester Tourist Office, the Harbour Office and other local outlets.

LIVING IN CHICHESTER HARBOUR AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Many people locally are unaware that they live in or near to a special, naturally beautiful area. A new project by Chichester Harbour Conservancy aims to raise awareness of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Residents and locals will be encouraged to learn more about the AONB and find out ways that they can help protect it now and for the future.

A recent visitors survey found that although 87% questioned were aware of the AONB designation, only 54% correctly identified Chichester Harbour as the nearest AONB. When asked who managed Chichester Harbour AONB, 42% named CHC but another 42% didn't know.

To raise the profile of the AONB & the work of the Conservancy a 12-page booklet has been produced. It will be delivered to 35,000 homes in and around Chichester Harbour AONB. The full-colour booklet gives an introduction to what an AONB is, why Chichester Harbour is special and a map so people can identify how close their home is to the AONB. Further sections feature the work of the Conservancy and then give ideas for how you can get involved.

Ali Beckett, Publicity Officer said, ‘We are privileged to have this beautiful area on our doorstep. It is one of Britain 's finest landscapes and we want everyone in the area to appreciate how special it is and to find ways to care for it into the future.'

The booklet will be delivered by Royal Mail over an eight week period. It contains a feedback form to gauge how useful the information has been and gives readers the opportunity to win a trip a Solar Heritage, solar-powered boat trip.

The cost of the project has been met by the Chichester Harbour Sustainable Development Fund, the Friends of Chichester Harbour and Chichester Harbour Trust.

Top Tips for Living in or near an AONB

What can you do to look after this special area for all to enjoy now and into the future? Here are a few tips that are featured in the Living in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty booklet.

•  Look after our footpaths – public footpaths are only for people on foot. Our coastal paths are particularly vulnerable to erosion and are not designed for safe use by bikes or horses.

•  Garden for wildlife – make space in your garden for a bird or bat box. Create compost heaps and leave dead wood piles for our insect friends.

•  Plant native species – to attract wildlife and maintain the character of the AONB. For hedges use species such as Holly, Blackthorn or Hawthorn.

•  Buy local produce – support our farmers by buying local produce from farm shops and farmer's markets.

•  When planning an extension or improvements to your property, consult the AONB Design Guidance to think about suitable materials and colours.

•  Join the Friends of Chichester Harbour to lend your support to protecting one of the finest landscapes in England .

Harbour Users Urged Not to Disturb Harbour Birds

The ongoing freezing weather is proving to be a challenge for the birds and wildlife of Chichester Harbour.

Around 50,000 birds are in Chichester Harbour at this time of year. Frozen mudflats and snow lying on the fields around the harbour is making it difficult for many birds to feed. Frozen water on ponds and ditches is affecting small ducks, coots and moorhen who are being forced to search further afield for food.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy is urging all those using Chichester Harbour not to disturb the waders and wildfowl. With minimal food supplies available, and an increased energy requirement just to keep warm many of the birds are in danger of death if they have to expend unnecessary energy.

Ed Rowsell, the Conservancy's Conservation Officer at Chichester Harbour said, ‘If you are out walking around Chichester Harbour, please do not disturb birds. Making them fly up unnecessarily can be fatal for birds that are malnourished. Please keep your dog on a lead near flocks of birds in and around the Harbour.'

REDUCED DEPTHS CHICHESTER BAR

1. Mariners are advised that a bathymetric survey of Chichester Bar undertaken 9 December 2009 shows a least depth of 1.2m below Chart Datum.

2. Mariners are reminded of our standing advice that Chichester Bar is periodically dredged to 1.5m below Chart Datum. However through gradual accretion and after severe gales the depth can vary markedly and it is then prudent to assume a least depth of 0.8m below Chart Datum.

3. The latest survey is available to view on the Conservancy's website: www.conservancy.co.uk

JQ Davis OBE
Manager & Harbour Master
14 December 2009

Footpath Surveying

Chichester Harbour Conservancy has commissioned a team of surveyors from Worthing Borough Council to carry out a survey of coastal footpaths in Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The survey will tell us which paths are most at risk from erosion, and will form the basis of an ongoing maintenance programme.