The Chichester Harbour Trust was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the12th May. The Trust was particularly pleased that Her Royal Highness was able to accept our invitation during the difficult conditions presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the unique beauty of Chichester Harbour and celebrate its special qualities, highlighted by the Chichester Harbour Trust with Chichester Harbour Conservancy and Bosham Sailing Club. The Princess Royal was greatly engaged with presentations on wildlife and conservation, education and young people, sailing and recreation as well as an introduction to some of the challenges and opportunities facing this nationally protected landscape.
The visit centred around the historic Bosham Sailing Club, taking in views of Quay Meadow and Holy Trinity Church, set against the backdrop of the South Downs, providing a quintessential Harbour experience. A short trip on board a Chichester Harbour Conservancy RIB provided a fresh viewpoint from the water, looking over expanses of sheltered coastal waters and to the high tide bird roosts at Stakes Islands, Pisley Island and Ellanore Spit.
John Nelson, Chairman of Chichester Harbour Trust, who hosted The Princess Royal during the visit said; “ We were delighted to offer Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, a keen sailor, a first hand experience of this unique Harbour and insight into its vulnerability and the hard work that goes into conserving it for everyone to enjoy, both now and in the future.”
The visit was supported by Richard Craven, Director and Harbour Master of Chichester Harbour Conservancy, and Paddy Mirams, Commodore of Bosham Sailing Club.
Photography by Paul Adams, Harbour Images.
