Pagham Harbour Designated a Nature Reserve

1964

In 1964, Pagham Harbour was formally designated as a Local Nature Reserve, recognising the ecological importance of the tidal habitat that had re-established itself since the 1910 breach. The designation provided a framework for managing the harbour for wildlife and limiting inappropriate development. The harbour's mudflats, saltmarsh and shingle supported nationally important populations of wading birds and wildfowl, and the reserve attracted growing numbers of birdwatchers and naturalists. The designation was an early step in the process that would eventually see Pagham Harbour recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an internationally important wetland.