The Chairman and Trustees of the Chichester Harbour Trust hosted a fundraising reception on 28th June at Bosham Sailing Club. The Chairman of the Trust, John Nelson, with a backdrop of the picturesque Bosham Channel, warned of increasingly serious challenges facing Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Over 150 supporters of the Trust attended the event including the Lord Lieutenants of West Sussex Susan Pyper, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson, Gillian Keegan MP, and Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council.
John Nelson outlined the immense pressure on the Harbour, particularly from development and new infrastructure. He cited as an example the threat of new housing development on the water’s edge at Chidham. John added: “Never has the role of the Chichester Harbour Trust been more important in preserving the beauty, the setting, the environment, the wildlife and the scope for recreational activity.” He reminded the audience of the immense contribution the Harbour makes to the local and regional economy; “A major factor in that contribution is the beauty and setting of the Harbour”.
The Trust intends to reinforce its efforts to acquire sensitive sites around the Harbour. To that end, the registered charity will be increasing its fundraising activity over the next few years. John Nelson concluded by saying he was very conscious of the huge support the Trust has from the communities around the Harbour; “We look forward to working ever more closely with the community on our mission” he added.