Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers approximately 11,500 hectares of coastal environment spanning parts of West Sussex and Hampshire. The harbour itself is a large natural harbour on the south coast of England, featuring tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, saltings, and diverse shoreline habitats. This combination supports a rich ecology including important populations of overwintering and breeding waterfowl and wading birds, making it a prime site for birdwatching. Historically, the harbour has been used for fishing and small-scale commercial maritime activities, but today its primary focus is on conservation and recreation.
The landscape includes small villages, open farmland, and protected natural reserves such as Emsworth, Bosham, and West Wittering. Recreational opportunities are centered around sailing, kayaking, walking, and wildlife observation. The extensive network of coastal footpaths offers visitors panoramic views across the harbour and access to secluded beaches and saltmarshes. Boating is especially popular with many marinas and yacht clubs taking advantage of the sheltered waters. Notable landmarks include the remains of Fishbourne Roman Palace nearby and historic coastal villages with traditional fishing heritage. Chichester Harbour’s calm waters bordered by protected landscapes make it a sought-after destination for day visitors, nature enthusiasts, and watersports lovers seeking a relatively unspoiled and tranquil coastal experience.
