Wildlife Awareness Week in the Harbour

Published 18:26 on 21 Jun 2022

Terns are one of the Harbour species at risk and the banner above highlights the key things to remember to help these delightful birds breed in Chichester Harbour. Look out for them hovering and then diving straight down to catch small fish.

Common Terns return from Africa to breed each summer and their migratory habits, together with their distinctive tail streamers, have earned them the nickname "sea-swallows".

There is a project under way to help the recovery of the harbour's population of Common Terns, Sandwich Terns and Little Terns in our harbour. These seabirds will only nest in coastal shingle habitats, so this ambitious project includes shingle recharging at two identified locations on Stakes Island and Ella Nore Spit, with the further deployment of nine new Tern 'rafts' recreating a floating shingle habitat in various locations dotted around the harbour. More details on the project can be found here.

The RYA The Green Blue, a joint environmental awareness programme created by the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine. Established in 2005, its mission is to promote sustainable boating for cleaner, healthier waters.

Jeremy Lumbers, WWSC Environment Lead

Last updated 11:01 on 28 March 2024