The Sea Breaches the Harbour Wall

1910

A severe storm in 1910 breached the sea wall that had enclosed Pagham Harbour since 1876. The sea rushed back into the former harbour, flooding the reclaimed farmland and restoring the tidal inlet. The decision was taken not to repair the wall, and the harbour was left to return to its natural state. Over the following decades, the tidal mudflats, saltmarsh and shingle habitats re-established themselves, creating the rich coastal wetland that exists today. The breach was a turning point in the story of Pagham, marking the moment when human attempts to control the harbour were abandoned and nature was allowed to reclaim its territory.