welcome

The Friends of Chichester Harbour draws together those who are passionate about protecting, conserving and enhancing the natural environment along the stretch of the south coast that connects Hampshire and West Sussex.

Mindful of the importance and fragility of our countryside, shoreline, waters, wildlife and marine life, we support the work of Chichester Harbour Conservancy and other like-minded community bodies dedicated to the sustainability of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A registered charity, the Friends of Chichester Harbour welcomes all ages, embracing a broad mix of harbourside pursuits, as members (Friends).

WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO

FRIENDS EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

EDUCATION

SUPPORT US

Chichester Harbour

Between south Hampshire and West Sussex to the north of the Solent and the south-west of Chichester, Chichester Harbour and its hinterland is mapped out across 9,226 acres.

Its inlets and channels flow into smaller harbours and coastal communities – Langstone, Emsworth, Chidham, Bosham and Itchenor – with the South Downs as a backdrop and Chichester Cathedral’s spire as a focal point.  Managed by Chichester Harbour Conservancy, the Harbour is not only an AONB but a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) too.

It is here that cyclists, walkers, ramblers, windsurfers, kayakers, sailors, ornithologists, swimmers, day-trippers and many others with a love of the countryside, sea and nature flock all year round.

Photography Competition

We’ve received some incredible entries to our amateur photography competition that we are co-hosting with the Final Straw Foundation.  There is still time to enter, the closing date is Friday 15th September.  The theme is ‘Celebrating Chichester Harbour’, so please send in your photos – click HERE for all the details and to submit.

Follow us on Instagram

@thefriendsofchichesterharbour
  • We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour:

Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space
Keep all dogs under control at all times
Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds
Keep noise levels low around sea birds
  • Open to all our members, notice of the Friends of Chichester Harbour AGM on Thursday 19th October, at Chichester Yacht Club, commencing 6pm, though do come along for 5.30pm for a drinks reception and a chance to meet with the chairman and trustees of the charity. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of all that is involved within this incredible charity, including the achievements this year, the importance of our members and all the organisations we work with and the individuals that support us.
  • As we watch the leaves turn from green to red and we battle through the wind and rain (well, yesterday we did!) autumn also brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for all that we achieved over the summer. We would like to thank our volunteers who joined the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers in completing so many tasks this summer, from counting wild orchids, repairing fences to beach cleans. Although waterproofs maybe required, we can guarantee a warm welcome, as the work parties continue across the harbour this autumn and winter. Please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Friends of Chichester Harbour Work Parties for more information.

#chichesterharbour #chichester #emsworth #haylingisland #itchenor #bosham #harbourlife #marineconservation #fishbournemeadows #westwittering #eastwittering #chichesterharbourconservancy #volunteers #harbourside #harbour #autumnvibes🍁 #friendsofchichesterharbour #friendsofchichester #emsworthharbour #emsworthlife #boshamharbour #dellquay #marinewildlife
  • Join us on Thursday 21st September for a Beach Clean and Tree Guard removal along the foreshore of Rookwood, West Wittering, from 10am to Midday. Simply visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Chichester Harbour Work Party to book your place. If you are not a member of the Friends of Chichester Harbour but wish to try volunteering before committing to becoming a member, do come along and introduce yourself and one of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers can show you the way.
  • As the summer comes to an end and autumn is on the horizon, book ahead for our Harbour Tots Autumn Treasures on Tuesday 10th October, 10am to Midday.  A fun outdoor session for toddlers and their parents/carers to discover the natural environment and wildlife within Chichester Harbour AONB. Each session involves a short walk and activities outside. With the change of season, comes beautiful autumnal colours of hedgerow and falling leaves, where the children can crunch through the leaves at 'Becky's'; a private wildlife area in Dell Quay. Organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. 

Fee: £7 per adult and 1 child (babes in arms free)
 £3 per extra person

Meet: Chichester Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay PO20 7EE

To book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Harbour Tots
  • Calling all photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, our photography competition draws to an end tomorrow, so submit your photos today! An opportunity to showcase your creativity while celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Chichester Harbour. 

The competition is organised by the Friends of Chichester Harbour together with the @finalstrawfoundation 

This competition aims to capture the essence of this stunning coastline through the lens of your camera, to convey the spirit of the harbour.

Prizes:
First Prize £500
Second Prize £250
Third Prize £200
Junior Prize £50

Please refer to the link in our bio for more details.
We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour:

Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space
Keep all dogs under control at all times
Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds
Keep noise levels low around sea birds
We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour:

Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space
Keep all dogs under control at all times
Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds
Keep noise levels low around sea birds
We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour:

Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space
Keep all dogs under control at all times
Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds
Keep noise levels low around sea birds
We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour:

Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space
Keep all dogs under control at all times
Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds
Keep noise levels low around sea birds
We were delighted to meet so many harbour savvy dogs today! All on leads or close to their owners, following sign requests and the countryside code. As our winter wading birds start to trickle in, with the numbers due to rise over the coming weeks, it is essential we give these birds the space they need. Sadly, the migrating birds have very little chance to rest and feed if they are continually being disturbed, so here are a few tips for coastal dog walkers to remember when out and about enjoying the harbour: Give birds that are feeding or resting plenty of space Keep all dogs under control at all times Never allow or encourage dogs to chase birds Keep noise levels low around sea birds
24 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Open to all our members, notice of the Friends of Chichester Harbour AGM on Thursday 19th October, at Chichester Yacht Club, commencing 6pm, though do come along for 5.30pm for a drinks reception and a chance to meet with the chairman and trustees of the charity. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of all that is involved within this incredible charity, including the achievements this year, the importance of our members and all the organisations we work with and the individuals that support us.
Open to all our members, notice of the Friends of Chichester Harbour AGM on Thursday 19th October, at Chichester Yacht Club, commencing 6pm, though do come along for 5.30pm for a drinks reception and a chance to meet with the chairman and trustees of the charity. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain an understanding of all that is involved within this incredible charity, including the achievements this year, the importance of our members and all the organisations we work with and the individuals that support us.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
As we watch the leaves turn from green to red and we battle through the wind and rain (well, yesterday we did!) autumn also brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for all that we achieved over the summer. We would like to thank our volunteers who joined the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers in completing so many tasks this summer, from counting wild orchids, repairing fences to beach cleans. Although waterproofs maybe required, we can guarantee a warm welcome, as the work parties continue across the harbour this autumn and winter. Please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Friends of Chichester Harbour Work Parties for more information.

#chichesterharbour #chichester #emsworth #haylingisland #itchenor #bosham #harbourlife #marineconservation #fishbournemeadows #westwittering #eastwittering #chichesterharbourconservancy #volunteers #harbourside #harbour #autumnvibes🍁 #friendsofchichesterharbour #friendsofchichester #emsworthharbour #emsworthlife #boshamharbour #dellquay #marinewildlife
As we watch the leaves turn from green to red and we battle through the wind and rain (well, yesterday we did!) autumn also brings a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment for all that we achieved over the summer. We would like to thank our volunteers who joined the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers in completing so many tasks this summer, from counting wild orchids, repairing fences to beach cleans. Although waterproofs maybe required, we can guarantee a warm welcome, as the work parties continue across the harbour this autumn and winter. Please visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Friends of Chichester Harbour Work Parties for more information. #chichesterharbour #chichester #emsworth #haylingisland #itchenor #bosham #harbourlife #marineconservation #fishbournemeadows #westwittering #eastwittering #chichesterharbourconservancy #volunteers #harbourside #harbour #autumnvibes🍁 #friendsofchichesterharbour #friendsofchichester #emsworthharbour #emsworthlife #boshamharbour #dellquay #marinewildlife
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Join us on Thursday 21st September for a Beach Clean and Tree Guard removal along the foreshore of Rookwood, West Wittering, from 10am to Midday. Simply visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Chichester Harbour Work Party to book your place. If you are not a member of the Friends of Chichester Harbour but wish to try volunteering before committing to becoming a member, do come along and introduce yourself and one of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers can show you the way.
Join us on Thursday 21st September for a Beach Clean and Tree Guard removal along the foreshore of Rookwood, West Wittering, from 10am to Midday. Simply visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Chichester Harbour Work Party to book your place. If you are not a member of the Friends of Chichester Harbour but wish to try volunteering before committing to becoming a member, do come along and introduce yourself and one of the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Rangers can show you the way.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
As the summer comes to an end and autumn is on the horizon, book ahead for our Harbour Tots Autumn Treasures on Tuesday 10th October, 10am to Midday.  A fun outdoor session for toddlers and their parents/carers to discover the natural environment and wildlife within Chichester Harbour AONB. Each session involves a short walk and activities outside. With the change of season, comes beautiful autumnal colours of hedgerow and falling leaves, where the children can crunch through the leaves at 'Becky's'; a private wildlife area in Dell Quay. Organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. 

Fee: £7 per adult and 1 child (babes in arms free)
 £3 per extra person

Meet: Chichester Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay PO20 7EE

To book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Harbour Tots
As the summer comes to an end and autumn is on the horizon, book ahead for our Harbour Tots Autumn Treasures on Tuesday 10th October, 10am to Midday. A fun outdoor session for toddlers and their parents/carers to discover the natural environment and wildlife within Chichester Harbour AONB. Each session involves a short walk and activities outside. With the change of season, comes beautiful autumnal colours of hedgerow and falling leaves, where the children can crunch through the leaves at 'Becky's'; a private wildlife area in Dell Quay. Organised by Chichester Harbour Conservancy. Fee: £7 per adult and 1 child (babes in arms free) £3 per extra person Meet: Chichester Harbour Education Centre, Dell Quay PO20 7EE To book, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk and search Harbour Tots
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Calling all photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, our photography competition draws to an end tomorrow, so submit your photos today! An opportunity to showcase your creativity while celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Chichester Harbour. 

The competition is organised by the Friends of Chichester Harbour together with the @finalstrawfoundation 

This competition aims to capture the essence of this stunning coastline through the lens of your camera, to convey the spirit of the harbour.

Prizes:
First Prize £500
Second Prize £250
Third Prize £200
Junior Prize £50

Please refer to the link in our bio for more details.
Calling all photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, our photography competition draws to an end tomorrow, so submit your photos today! An opportunity to showcase your creativity while celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Chichester Harbour. The competition is organised by the Friends of Chichester Harbour together with the @finalstrawfoundation This competition aims to capture the essence of this stunning coastline through the lens of your camera, to convey the spirit of the harbour. Prizes: First Prize £500 Second Prize £250 Third Prize £200 Junior Prize £50 Please refer to the link in our bio for more details.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/6

Play Your Part

From supporting education programmes, environmental research and seeking out grants for special projects to rallying participants for out-in-the-field work parties, arranging social events and harbour tours, the Friends of Chichester Harbour seeks much needed funding and volunteer support.

Whether signing up as a member, volunteering, attending events or making a one-off donation – either as an individual, family or business – the Friends of Chichester Harbour is keen to welcome you.

Whether signing up as a member, volunteering, attending events or making a one-off donation – either as an individual, family or business – the Friends of Chichester Harbour is keen to welcome you.