Pagham Harbour
Visitor Centre temporary closure
The Visitor Centre will be closed between 22nd April and 17th May for internal refurbishment, which will improve the working space for staff and volunteers and refresh the experience for visitors. The work will include redecoration, new flooring, windows and doors and extension of the office. The car park, toilets and Nature Reserve will remain open at all times. New displays and information will also be provided within the Centre later this summer.
Community Forum
The next Pagham Harbour Community Forum meets at 6.30-8.30pm on Monday 15th July at St. Ninian’s Church Hall, Pagham Road, Pagham. All welcome. Please send any agenda items you would like to propose to Pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk by 8th July.
Marine Snail Survey of Church Norton Spit
A survey was carried out in March 2013 on behalf of Natural England to establish the distribution of the Defolin’s Lagoon Snail on Church Norton Spit. The RSPB have not yet been informed of the results.
Nature Reserve Guides
We have now recruited and trained a team of volunteers who will be regularly out on the reserve as nature reserve guides, meeting and greeting visitors and providing general information. They will help us to extend a warm welcome site-wide, and also enable us to more promptly respond to maintenance issues.
Little Tern Protection
An area of Church Norton Spit has now been fenced off, as is usual at this time of year, to protect the ground nesting birds such as Little Tern, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher and Skylark which are easily disturbed by beach users. If disturbed, the birds may be prevented from nesting or will fly from their nest, neglecting eggs or chicks. The shingle beach is an important area for these vulnerable birds and you can help them to survive by sticking to the tracks and lower beach outside the fenced area and walking dogs on a short lead.
WEx Leaders
Pagham Harbour is looking for volunteers interested in becoming a Main Leader and Assistant Leaders for a new Wildlife Explorer group for young people, aged 5 to 12. The RSPB has over 100 Wildlife Explorer groups across the UK, and wishes to increase this number. Pagham Harbour is hoping to open the new group in September, and to enable this to happen we will need enthusiastic people with an ability to connect with young people, who have just a few hours a month to spare. For more information contact Don Fuller on 01273 773626 don.fuller@rspb.org.uk
Forthcoming events. There is always something great going on at the harbour, this is what is coming up soon:
Sat 11 May Waders & Warblers 10am to 1pm
Sat 18 May Springtime Migrants 10am to 12pm
Sun 19 May Friends Open Day 11am to 4pm
Sun 26 May Pagham Pond Dip 10.30am to 12.30pm
Sat 1 June Hairy Moments 9.30am to 11.30am
Sat 8 & Sun 9 June Minibeast Safari 10.30am to 12.30pm
Sat 15 June Medmerry Walk 10am to 1pm
Sat 15 June Meadow Magic 11am to 12 noon
Sat 29 & Sun 30 June Pagham Pond Dip 10.30am to 12.30pm
Families, everyday throughout the May half term holiday, borrow a bug jar from the Visitor Centre and go bonkers for bugs!
For more information or to book your place on any of our activities please call us on 01243 641508, or email Pagham.harbour@rspb.org.uk
Environment
The Manhood Peninsula Partnership was formed in recognition of the challenges the peninsula faces as a result of climate change and the increasing demands on its environment. By recognising the different issues the area faces, its assets and possibilities, and by valuing its distinct and almost unique character on the south coast, the MPP hopes to create opportunities and... Read More»
Coastal Management
A large part of the Manhood Peninsula is less than 5m above sea level and at risk from flooding, both inland and coastal. It is likely that climate change will increase this risk, through rising sea levels, rising water tables and increased precipitation intensity. Drainage is an increasing problem on the peninsula as the existing ditches are proving inadequate... Read More»
Archaeology, History & Culture
The history of the Manhood Peninsula and its settlements is long enough to include Early Man and the Romans. The area has been in active use for millennia and can boast walks and cycling, woods and fields. You can go back even further in time by discovering the fossils of Bracklesham Bay. Find out more about the archaeology and history of the... Read More»