RSPB Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve

Pagham Harbour covers approximately 1450 acres, criss-crossed with miles of footpaths to explore. At its centre is the intertidal saltmarsh and mudflats which provides food and shelter for so many bird species including the brent geese and pintail ducks for which the harbour is internationally recognised. Complimented with grassland, farmland, copses, reedbeds, lagoons and shingle, this mix of habitats attracts a variety of flora and fauna, making it a special place at any time of year. There are two hides for birders to capture that special sighting.

Pagham Harbour also boasts a rich historical heritage dating back to the Romans and Saxons. By the Middle ages it was a thriving port and in the 18th Century boasted one of the finest tidal mills in the country with three great water wheels and eight pairs of millstones. However, as competition to move goods by road grew, trade dwindled culminating in the closure of the harbour entrance and the land being reclaimed for agriculture in 1876.

In 1910 a terrific storm raged, and the sea hit back, breaking through the defences with such ferocity it flooded the land for miles. Since then the harbour has returned to saltmarsh and mudflats and not changed much since, but there are still remnants to be found.

There are numerous stories of smugglers taking advantage of the harbour’s eddies and currents to land contraband whilst tricking the authorities with decoy lights on opposite shores and of the harbour being used as a practice firing range for aircraft during the Second World War.

The Selsey Tram which ran between Chichester and Selsey from 1897-1935 passed alongside the harbour’s edge between Ferry Channel and Sidlesham. This is one of our main walking routes along the embankment and still goes by the name of the ‘Tramway’. Originally, steam locomotives were used and later supplemented by petrol rail-buses. In its heyday, over 22,000 passengers used it per annum. Unfortunately, due to it often breaking down, the nature of rickety rails and the laid-back style of service it was teased with nicknames such as ‘The Sidlesham Snail’ and ‘The Bumpety Bump’.

RSPB Pagham Harbour boasts an informative, free of charge Visitor Centre which is open every day from 10:00- 16:00 (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Pop in to get information on the various trails to take and the latest visiting rare bird to spot while out and about in the reserve.