Pagham Harbour Wildfowling update ? still a risk

Waders (photo: Colin Wilson)

Since our last article on 31 May there has been some movement on this issue and we are now asked to support the Sussex Ornithological Society in the next stages. There will be no shooting in 2004 but the battle to keep wildfowling and other damaging pursuits away from the harbour is far from over.

The Advisory Board has set up a focus group to consider submissions from the Wildfowlers and a joint one from the SOS, RSPB and Sussex Wildlife Trust on the subject of allowing further shooting. In the meantime, West Sussex County Council, who manage Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, are updating their 5 year plan. To support this they are undertaking a public survey. They are encouraging people from the local parishes to take part and suggesting other ways the harbour could be used, e?g? should there be more scope for dog walking off leads, more bait digging, allowing wildfowling and even paragliding!

Common Seal (photo: Colin Wilson)

The survey is available for all visitors to complete and you can do this on paper or online. Paper copies can be obtained from ROC meetings or by phoning the Reserve Centre on 01243 641508 or the Council on 01243 756602.

Having visited this area on 26th October and seen many wonderful sights including Brent Geese, many Teal and Wigeon, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwits, Avocet, Little Egrets and even Long tailed Duck and a Subalpine Warbler and a Grey Seal basking in the sun, I could see how important it is for wildlife. Please help preserve this important place and fill in a questionnaire and submit it before the end of November. You could even win a prize for completing the survey such as binoculars, field guides etc.

Teal (photo: Colin Wilson)

Stonechat (photo: Colin Wilson)

Kestrel (photo: Colin Wilson)

Oystercatcher (photo: Colin Wilson)

Colin Wilson –