Chichester Harbour from Hayling Island

The harbour on the island's eastern shore

Chichester Harbour forms the eastern boundary of Hayling Island and is one of the most beautiful and ecologically important natural harbours in southern England. The harbour is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area, reflecting its exceptional landscape and wildlife value.

From Hayling Island, the harbour presents a landscape of tidal channels, mudflats, salt marshes and open water, backed by the gentle rise of the South Downs to the north. The views across the harbour from the island's eastern shore are wide and tranquil, with sailing boats at anchor, wading birds on the mud and the changing colours of the sky reflected in the water.

The harbour is managed by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, an independent body that balances conservation, recreation and the needs of the community. The Conservancy enforces speed limits on the water, manages moorings, maintains channels and runs an education and outreach programme. The harbour is used by recreational sailors, motorboaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, walkers and birdwatchers.

Sailing is central to the harbour's character. The sheltered channels and reliable winds provide excellent sailing conditions, and the harbour is home to numerous sailing clubs, boatyards and chandleries. From Hayling, the harbour gives access to the wider Solent sailing area and to the harbourside villages of Emsworth, Bosham, Itchenor and Dell Quay.

The wildlife of Chichester Harbour is internationally important. The mudflats support vast numbers of wading birds during the autumn and winter migration, including dunlin, grey plover, curlew, redshank and brent geese. The salt marshes provide habitat for specialist plants and invertebrates, and the harbour channels support fish, crabs and other marine life.

For Hayling Island residents, Chichester Harbour is part of daily life. The views across the harbour, the sound of the curlews and the sight of sails on the water are the backdrop to living on the eastern side of the island. Access to the harbour shoreline is possible from footpaths and slipways, and the harbour provides a natural amenity of exceptional quality.