You are invited to join a walk to Medmerry (via Ham) to see the progress of the coastal realignment project where a new intertidal habitat will be created when the existing shingle bank is breached in the Spring of 2013. The work is being undertaken by The Environment Agency and the new habitat will be managed by The RSPB.

The walk is just less than three miles each way and will take about three hours at a very gentle stroll. Alternatively you could walk one-way to Medmerry and return on public transport (Bus 51) or meet the group at Medmerry. Whichever option is best for you please meet at the Visitor Centre at 2.00pm on Thursday 3rd May.

The transfer of the management of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve to The RSPB took place on 1^st February and this event will give Friends the opportunity to meet their staff (most of whom you may already know, but have you seen their new uniforms?) and to hear about on-going developments and future plans.

There is no charge for Friends of Pagham Harbour, but in order to give us an idea of numbers we would be grateful if you would book a place by phoning the Visitor Centre (01243 641508 ) or by emailing membership@foph.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you in May.

Just to let you know that the legal paperwork between WSCC and RSPB transferring the day-to-day management of core areas of the Harbour was completed at midnight on 1st February. The staff team has now transferred under TUPE legislation and are now RSPB employees. It has taken a long time, but it has enabled a great working relationship to develop between the two organisations, and we think this gives the management of the Harbour its best chance of a sustainable future.

There is much work to do to tie up various loose ends surrounding the transfer, but our key jobs now are:

• to help the staff and volunteer team settle in
• to install RSPB computer equipment (including a faster broadband connection to help the team do their work more efficiently)
• and of course to maintain the day-to-day service around the reserve so that there is ‘business as usual’ for you all.

We intend to set up some ‘Meet the RSPB’ days for the spring so that local people and visitors can come and raise any issues and concerns, and we will be working to set up the new governance structures by which you can all have input into the reserve. But please remember that the door is always open should you have any issues or questions. We also intend to continue with these monthly bulletins, at least in the short term, to keep you all informed of progress.

If you know of anyone who would like to be included in future updates, they should email adrian.thomas@rspb.org.uk to ask to be added to the list. 

The partnering agreement between the county council and the RSPB is now agreed, and all the complex legal documents are being completed. the process of transferring staff is underway and the actual transfer is expected by the end of January once all the loose ends are tied up.

After the transfer the RSPB’s priorities, over the first few months, will be to

• get the staff team settled in,
• continue to manage the site day to day ensuring continuity of service,
• and start to prepare a new Management Plan, which is due to start in 2013.

This statement was issued by Adrian Thomas (RSPB) and Charlotte Eastley (WSCC) and posted on the blog by Bill Martin (Membership Secretary, FoPH)

The important thing is that the day-to-day management of the site doesn’t suffer while the legal work is ongoing and this has been a priority. RSPB/WSCC are pleased to report that the team has continued with all the work they were scheduled to do, including the project to improve the water-edge habitats in Ferry Pool.

The LNR team has also been working closely with Adrian and Sue at the RSPB to be trained in RSPB procedures, and to begin the process that will lead to an agreed interim work programme for 2012/13.

Issues separate to the transfer of management:

• The toilets at Pagham Harbour visitor centre are now repaired and fully-functioning.
• WSCC chaired a very constructive meeting on 10 November looking at the boating issue in Pagham Harbour.In recent months, much greater clarity has been gained about the laws regarding boating, launching and landing. As such, it has become clear that the existing permit system is flawed, especially regarding the general right of navigation, and a new approach is essential. The challenge is to find a workable solution that respects the rights of those who want to lawfully boat in the Harbour, whilst also flagging the dangers and limitations of boating within the Harbour, and seeking respect for the fragility of the Harbour and its wildlife The next step is for WSCC to lead on drafting a Code of Conduct, to see if this can offer a workable solution. The Council will be in touch with stakeholders during this process.

If you know of anyone who would like to be included in future updates, they should email adrian.thomas@rspb.org.uk to ask to be added to the list.

Towards the end of this month the first layer of the new sea defences wil be built at the Bunn Leisure and Sussex Beach Holiday Village ends of the scheme. In December and January the rock which will used to build the retaining walls at the seaward ends of the new defences will be delivered from the sea by barge.

Further information is available on the Environment Agency website:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/109062.aspx

Peter Gadd, Chair of Friends of Pagham Harbour

The conservation works at the Ferry Field and Pool have been completed successfully. One can see how the edges of the Ferry Pool are now gentle slopes and a network of ditches and drains have been dug. It will be spring before the success can be assessed. The aim is to expand the wetland habitats for breeding Lapwing and Redshank. Although in the winter months the temporary flooding of the created habitat may well encourage waterfowl such as Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal and Curlew.

The transfer of the Reserve management to the RSPB is progressing but the legal complexities appear to be of an unexpected magnitude. So there is still no projected date for the transfer. However I note that the transfer process is under way for one can see the staff of the Reserve are using RSPB vehicles and not those carrying the West Sussex County Council logos.