Description • Monitoring • Effectiveness of the scheme • Further information

Bosham, Chichester Harbour, West Sussex

Description

Bosham is located in a relatively sheltered area within Chichester Harbour. The saltmarsh at this location is generally dominated by common cordgrass (Spartina anglica). The area is very low in elevation and experiences very low wave energy. Sediment is accreting throughout the upper bay. Spartina has colonised the area naturally and is mixed at the lowest elevations on the west side of the bay with glasswort (Salicornia spp.). On the east side of the bay elevations are higher, with one metre deep tidal rivulets. The saltmarsh community here is mixed, consisting of sea purslane (Atriplex portulacoides), common sea lavender (Limonium vulgare), common saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia maritima), sea aster (Aster tripolium), cordgrass (Spartina spp.) and some Salicornia spp. At the highest elevations sea couch (Elytrigia atherica) and some common reed (Phragmites australis) dominate.

In May 1998, the Chichester Harbour Conservancy planted Spartina in a small area (approx. 450m²) at the site of a former car park. The surrounding area of existing saltmarsh is almost entirely restricted to dense stands of Spartina. Sprigs were taken from wild stands of Spartina growing in ditches around Bosham and transplanted at approximately 0.3-0.6m intervals. To prevent continued car parking, large stones were placed along the road edge and the area was planted between the stones and the water.

Monitoring

Due to the site’s small size, there is no monitoring program in place other than visual assessment of the growth of the transplanted sprigs.

Effectiveness of the scheme

Following transplantation, the sprigs have grown and spread, and have developed seed heads. This is a very low wave energy site, but is inundated at high tides in excess of one metre depth. Two months after planting one hundred percent survival of the plants was evident.

This site provides a good example of how common cordgrass (Spartina anglica) can be planted and utilised for multiple purposes. That is, the planting has stabilised the substrate and prevented erosion, in conjunction with making the area more aesthetically pleasing to visitors to the area.  

Spartina planting at Bosham, Chichester (Chichester Harbour Conservancy)

Further information

Ann Depoiter
Conservation Officer
Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Harbour Office
Itchenor
Chichester
PO20 7AW