PRESS RELEASE
Release Date: 2nd February 2015
A popular footpath along Bosham foreshore has been given a much needed facelift,
thanks to Chichester Harbour Conservancy and the Friends of Chichester Harbour.
27 volunteers helped Conservancy rangers to transform the footpath, which runs
along the foreshore from Shore Road, Bosham last Thursday. They also planted
some hedging along a nearby road.
Three stretches of an old muddy track have been clearly marked as a footpath and
five tons of shingle were taken by wheelbarrow and spread between edging stones
from the foreshore. Several fingerposts were installed to mark the new footpath and
avoid walkers straying onto nearby private land by mistake.
The footpath is used throughout the year, and is particularly busy in the summer
months when visitors use the Bosham to Itchenor ferry. Unfortunately, it is not
accessible at high tide so the Conservancy is installing information boards near the
footpath, asking people to check tide times and use an alternative route, which runs
along the road.
Judith Meagher, Countryside Officer at Chichester Harbour Conservancy said,” The
rangers and volunteers have done a wonderful job. They have totally transformed
this footpath within a few hours. This work will benefit both people and wildlife visitors can enjoy walking along the foreshore without getting muddy and this will
avoid further damage to the delicate saltmarsh.”
Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is protected by
several national and international designations. Over 50,000 birds come to the
harbour each year to feed and nest. The new footpath runs alongside a protected
saltmarsh area and this work has been approved by Natural England. Walkers can
help to protect the delicate saltmarsh by staying on the footpath and keeping dogs
under control. Dogs can disturb feeding or nesting birds, causing them to fly off and
waste valuable energy.
To check tide times and find out more about the harbour visit
www.conservancy.co.uk or contact the Harbour Office on 01243 512301. You will
also find a wide range of activities, such as birdwatching events, boat trips and walks
in the Things To Do section.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The photos included with this release are also sent as jpeg attachments.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this press release, please contact:
Judith Meagher, Chichester Harbour Conservancy.
E:
judith@conservancy.co.uk

T:
01243 510983
Chichester Harbour Conservancy is the statutory authority for Chichester Harbour
with a legal duty to manage the Harbour and the surrounding land for the purposes of
recreation and leisure, conservation and landscape protection. It has a wide range of
powers to control navigation, moorings, works and dredging, as well as to maintain
and improve the wildlife value and the landscape.
National and international designations
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Chichester Harbour is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
to ensure that it is conserved and enhanced for the enjoyment of all. Chichester
Harbour Conservancy works with national and local government, environment
organisations, landowners and local businesses and communities to ensure that
these landscapes and the wildlife living in them are protected and enhanced.
For more information please see www.conservancy.co.uk.
The intertidal areas across Chichester Harbour are designated at national (Site of
Special Scientific Interest), European (SPA, SAC) and international level (Ramsar
site) in order to protect the diverse and fragile range of habitats such as saltmarsh
and mudflats present within the harbour, along with the associated animals and
plants. Over 50,000 waders and waterfowl are present in the harbour through the
winter months, while terns and waders will nest here during the spring and summer.
Saltmarsh grows between low and high tide and has adapted to cope with the rigours
of intertidal life. Visitors can help protect the delicate saltmarsh and its wildlife by
walking on the footpath.
Annual Activities programme

The Conservancy runs an annual programme of activities and events, including
birdwatching, photography, boat trips, walks and talks. We offer a range of family
events and run an Education Service. Contact the Harbour Office on 01243 512301
for more information.
Friends of Chichester Harbour
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Friends of Chichester Harbour (FoCH) are a registered charity solely concerned with
sustaining and improving the environment of the harbour.
They work with Chichester Harbour Conservancy and provide valuable support with
activities, such as wildlife research, habitat enhancement, tree and hedgerow
planting, maintaining footpaths, education, information and publications, and helping
disadvantaged persons get afloat.
Volunteers can join their weekly work parties or help in other ways. Subscription is
£10 per person or £15 for a couple, though many members donate more. See the
Friends' website for other membership categories and a joining form.
Contact Information
The Membership Secretary
Friends of Chichester Harbour
c/o Harbour Office
Itchenor
Chichester PO20 7AW
01243 512301
www.friendsch.org
Images
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Bosham coastal footpath – before
New footpath alongside muddy foreshore
New stretch of footpath with wheelbarrow
New footpath alongside muddy foreshore 2
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Wheelbarrows carrying shingle for new footpath (volunteers and CHC Ranger)
Footpath work in progress
New information board and fingerpost – Shore Road, Bosham (picture of volunteers)
New fingerpost on Bosham foreshore