The new book ‘Chichester Harbour – A Reference Guide’ is packed with useful information on all aspects of the harbour. Six sections cover topics such as Wildlife, On the Water, Investigating the Past and Coastal Management. Within these sections are 18 chapters written by a selection of authors. A chapter on coastal plants not only lists all the plants you are likely to see around the coastline of the harbour but also includes a colour photograph of each one. Birds of Chichester Harbour has a similar format with over 40 photographs and illustrations in this chapter alone.

Dr David Carter from the University of Portsmouth contributed two particularly interesting chapters. Defending our Shoreline looks at the various options for sea defences in a world where we face rising sea levels. Dr Carter also writes about East Head, providing a full history of this ever changing area as well as discussing the make up of the dunes and the issue of its future management.

On the Water provides photo identification of the commonly seen boats using Chichester Harbour, a look at the role the Conservancy play in providing aids to navigation and a guide to getting afloat for sailors young and old.

Kim Leslie of West Sussex Record Office called the book ‘An essential guide for everyone who knows and loves Chichester Harbour’. Harbour Master John Davis described it as ‘a fantastic resource’, he added ‘even if you think you know all about Chichester Harbour you will find something in this book to help you gain a deeper understanding of its many facets’.

Production of the book has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is available from the Harbour Office, Itchenor, PO20 7AW at £4 per copy plus £1 p&p. Call 01243 512301 or see www.conservancy.co.uk.

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