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RSPB takes over management of Pagham Harbour
Last modified: 03 February 2012
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On Thursday 2 February, the RSPB took over the management of a core area of Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve from West Sussex County Council, in a move that helps secure a sustainable future for the site.
The reserve is one of the most important places for wild birds in Europe, with big flocks of brent geese and other waterbirds from autumn to spring, and a wealth of other wildlife.
The Harbour is also a vital amenity for local communities and visitors, with more than 200,000 visits made to the site each year
Under the partnering agreement, the RSPB will use its experience and expertise to manage the Harbour, with the County Council continuing to provide financial support over at least the next 10 years. The reserve staff who were in post when negotiations started have been transferred to the RSPB.
Chris Corrigan, the RSPB’s South East Regional Director, said: “Pagham Harbour is such a special place, for people and for wildlife, and we are glad to be able to help secure the next chapter in its wonderful history.
“Now that the transfer has happened, our primary job is to settle the team in and ensure that we continue to deliver the service that people expect. We also want to get a permanent education officer into post.”
County Council Deputy Leader Lionel Barnard, who has responsibility for Environment, said: “By transferring the management of Pagham Harbour to the RSPB we are safeguarding the future of the reserve and also giving the opportunity for enhancement.
“The agreement will deliver financial savings for the County Council, which is something we have to consider in the current financial climate. But it also allows for us to provide £100,000 capital investment over four years, which the RSPB will seek to match, providing much-needed help to improve the buildings and infrastructure.”
Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve is owned by a wide range of organisations and private individuals, including the Environment Agency, West Sussex County Council, and Sussex Wildlife Trust.
The site is internationally important for wading birds and wildfowl. It also has breeding Little Terns, one of the nation’s rarest birds.
As well as wild birds, Pagham Harbour is an important site for other wildlife, and its shingle beaches provide a backdrop for flowers such as Yellow-horned Poppy and the very rare Childling Pink.
For further information about Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, please visit the RSPB’s website www.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour