Manhood Peninsula Partnership

Good Beach Guide 2012

jane — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:26:03 +0000

The silver anniversary edition of the Good Beach Guide, launched online by the Marine Conservation Society, has recommended 516 out of 754 (68%) UK bathing beaches tested last summer as having excellent water quality; this is a rise of 8% more than last year and the best in the Guides 25-year history.

For more information and to download a copy of the guide click HERE.

Drought Update

jane — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:24:00 +0000

The Environment Agency has produced a national update of the current water situation in the UK. Despite being the wettest April on record, the South East of England is still considered to be in a drought due to the lack of rainfall during the last couple of years. However the situation has eased in other parts of the country with ponds and reservoirs showing a recent improvement, so hopefully we will follow suit in the near future.

For more information see the Environment Agency website by clicking HERE, or Defra’s website HERE.

Chichester Harbour May Events

jane — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:26:22 +0000

There is a lot to do in Chichester Harbour this month. Chichester Harbour Conservancy are offering walks, talks and trips round the harbour. Everything to take you out and about round Chichester Harbour in May.

For a full list of Chichester Harbour Conservancy events for May click HERE.

Meet the RSPB at Pagham

jane — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:30:04 +0000

The RSPB will be hosting two ‘Meet the RSPB’ days at Pagham Harbour in early May, giving local people a chance to drop in and share any thoughts or ask any questions, and in general just allow them to get to know you a bit better, and you to know them! The first will be on 5 May on the Pagham side of the Harbour (location to be confirmed); the second will be on 11 May at the Visitor Centre. Exact times will be confirmed shortly. While this is hopefully a nice opportunity for people, the important thing is that the door is always open if you have any issues or concerns.

Read more about the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve on the RSPB website by clicking HERE.

Seasonal Seafood

jane — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:50:05 +0000

Billingsgate Seafood School invites you to choose the best seasonal fish and use the recipes on their website to make delicious meals and snacks. Their first Seasonal Newsletter tells you about the best seafood to choose in any season and, more importantly, why.

To download a copy of the newsletter click HERE.

To find out more about sustainable fishing from the Marine Conservation Society click HERE.

Sea Tree

jane — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:18:02 +0000

The Sea Tree is intended to be a floating structure moored out in the water by a cable. Designed by Dutch architect Koen Olthuis from the Waterstudio, the tree is comprised of a series of layers for use as homes by plant and animal species both above and below the water.

The structure would be built using offshore technology similar to oil storage towers, which can be found on open seas and can be designed for specialized locations like rivers, lakes or the ocean. Totally self-sufficient, the structure is designed to support a wide range of flora and fauna including birds, bees, bats and other small animals that will help bring the natural environment to our cities.

The idea is to help protect natural habitats in urban areas, particularly cities. Their hope is that large companies, like oil companies, would donate the Trees to cities as a way of showing their concern for animal habitats.

For more images of Sea Trees click HERE.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy April Events

jane — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:59:33 +0000

April is an event packed month at Chichester Harbour Conservancy. As well as annual favourites such as the Egg and Shell Hunt and Early Morning Beach Walk, this year you can also take part in a Marine Creature Shadow Puppet workshop and a special Solar Heritage trip to learn about navigation in Chichester Harbour.

For a full list of April events click HERE.

Discover other exciting things to take part in on the Things To Do page of the Conservancy website.

National Planning Policy Framework

jane — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:33:01 +0000

The final version of the National Planning Policy Framework for England has now been published.

The document sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It sets out the Government’s requirements for the planning system only to the extent that it is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. It provides a framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.

To download a copy of the NPPF click HERE

To read what others have said about the document click HERE

Earth Hour 2012

jane — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:18:50 +0000

What will you be doing when the lights switch off? World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour is well-known for its huge landmark switch offs – this year the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Old Trafford Stadium are just a few of the big names taking part again. But what it’s really about is people coming together to celebrate and show we care about our brilliant planet.

There’s loads happening across the country, from candlelit dinner parties and torchlit treasure hunts to environmental workshops and acoustic gigs – there’s even an Earth Hour wedding! But don’t worry if you haven’t got plans because there’s still time to get involved.

Check out the WWF Earth Hour website for more ideas about how to get involved.

Brian Waters steps down

jane — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:11:50 +0000

The Manhood Peninsula Partnership has announced that Brian Waters, one of its two project leaders, is to resign after 11 years with the organisation. The part-time Partnership was formed under the chairmanship of Councillor Peter Jones in 2001, with local resident Carolyn Cobbold as the other leader. Carolyn had been the driving force for the partnership formation.

MPP exists to provide a more holistic approach to the problems of the peninsula, cutting across disciplines and authorities, and is funded by local councils and other bodies. Brian, a chartered civil engineer, said “MPP has achieved much, probably culminating in the adoption last year by the main planning authorities of Integrated Coastal Zone Management. I have been involved with the area since I started as junior site engineer on Selsey’s coast protection in 1956. I am 78 this year, so it is time for someone else to have a go!”

In 2008 Brian was awarded the MBE for services to maritime engineering and coastal protection in West Sussex.