The forces of nature, sometimes aggravated by the actions of man, are challenging the landscape and seascape which we seek to protect. The Solent is now constantly under huge pressure from shipping, leisure activities and development along its shoreline, as well as the impact of climate change. The aim of the Solent Protection Society (SPS), which was set up nearly seventy years ago, is to protect the Solent and its environment for future generations; our interest extends from the Needles Channel to Selsey Bill, including adjoining rivers and estuaries.
Our activities have, over the years, developed to provide independent and constructive advice, together with observations in the best interests of preserving the natural environment of the Solent. For example, SPS has been involved in the consultation processes that led to the designation of Marine Conservation Zones for the protection of our most important wildlife habitats. SPS has also made representations to the appropriate Local Councils, Natural England and the Government on the creation and routing of our local Coastal Paths and we are pleased to say that many of our comments have been taken into account in the final plans so far published. SPS has a particular interest in protecting our coastline from unsightly development and from time to time submits comments and, when necessary, objections to Planning Authorities when visual intrusion could and should be avoided.
SPS has been working for several years to monitor the impact of pollution in the Solent, long before the topic was given much wide focus through mainstream media. Of particular relevance to Chichester is our active work on monitoring the overspill discharges by Southern Water to raise the issue with the water authority and Local Government. SPS has been calling for the scope of Southern Water’s Beachbuoy web service to be extended to complete full coverage of the Solent area. In 2022, 20% of the combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges reported by Southern Water within the Solent area originated in Chichester Harbour.
With the diversity of activity in the Solent from leisure water activities to marinas and fisherman, the need for openness and clarity of the quality of the water is paramount. The other main cause of pollution is created by the nitrate fertiliser run-off from farms into our natural waterways, which have a detrimental effect on health and also wildlife. By the time nitrates reach the sea, a build-up of green algae occurs and this has created the disturbing phenomenon of ‘green tides’ across the Channel in Brittany.
SPS is increasingly concerned about the use of recreational craft, such as jet skis and paddleboards which enable easy access to previously undisturbed shores, with consequent disturbance to bird and other wildlife. The protection of salt marshes and seagrass beds by the creation of Marine Conservation Zones and the re-establishment of our native Solent oysters by Blue Marine Foundation are also areas in which SPS is actively involved. Coastal resilience has become an issue of concerns due to rising sea levels as a result of climate change and SPS has joined local stakeholder groups to keep a close watch the various options presented.
The Society is keen to support Chichester Harbour Conservancy in its work to protect the landscape around the harbour, to keep the waters clean and ensure that fauna and flora can flourish undisturbed by human intervention. However, it can only do its work with the support of our members, by way of subscriptions and donations and also active interaction with local groups. We are looking for new members and also enthusiastic volunteers to join our Council, if you would like any further information, please take the ‘Membership’ and ‘Contact’ links from the website menu or simply take this link to email the SPS secretary.
Solent Protection Society 