Efforts to protect and restore the natural beauty of Chichester Harbour were the focus in September when key stakeholders gathered at the latest Chichester Harbour Action Summit.
Chaired for the first time by Matt Briers, CEO of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the meeting reviewed progress and outlined further plans to reverse the environmental decline of the harbour identified in the ‘Condition Review’ carried out by Natural England in 2021.
Briers said, “The Action Summit is a powerful and united forum intent on reversing the decline of our harbour. It brings together key stakeholders from organisations who have the capability to implement positive change for the harbour. I look forward to working with colleagues of the Action Summit to deliver tangible change.”
The summit, which took place within the harbour area, brought together senior figures from a range of influential organisations, including the Environment Agency, Natural England, Southern Water, OFWAT and Havant and Chichester District Councils. Also in attendance were leaders from the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and the Chichester Harbour Trust.
Nick Backhouse, chair of the Chichester Harbour Trust said, “The Chichester Harbour Trust established the Action Summit in 2021 recognising the need for concerted joined-up action to solve the challenges facing the harbour. We are delighted that the Chichester Harbour Conservancy is taking the lead in taking this vital work forwards”. Briers added, “This forum seeks to ensure that all initiatives and working groups are aligned, so that we can together address the harbour’s challenges more effectively.”
The Action Summit is not just a forum for dialogue but also a platform for unlocking barriers to progress, according to Briers. “This is where we must seek to set the conditions for success through senior intervention to overcome obstacles to unblock progress. We will continue to work together to influence central government in prioritising nature conservation efforts for Chichester Harbour.”
Briers noted the urgency of tackling nitrate pollution and the need for long-term commitment. “Reducing nitrate pollution is essential for the health of Chichester Harbour, high levels of nitrates effect the water quality and create problems like the macroalgal mats that can be seen choking the banks of the harbour, but it’s a challenge that will take years to fully address. A catchment-wide approach is needed, covering a broader geographic area to ensure sustained improvement,” he explained.
The meeting heard a presentation by Wessex Water, detailing the success of their long-running nitrate reduction scheme in Poole Harbour. Over the past decade, this initiative has delivered significant reductions in nitrate pollution, setting a potential model for Chichester Harbour to follow. Summit members agreed that immediate steps should be taken to explore the feasibility of adapting this scheme locally.
Briers concluded on a note of cautious optimism, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. “I’m encouraged by the positive steps we’ve taken so far, but continued investment and government support will be vital in achieving our long-term goals of regeneration and harbour health,” he said.
Image copyright Chichester Harbour Trust
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