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EU Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds

Chichester and Langstone Harbours (Hampshire/West Sussex) Special Protection Area

The site is internationally important because it regularly supports more than 10,000 wintering wildfowl (average 25,000) and more than 20,000 wintering waders (average 77,000).

The site also supports internationally important numbers of the following species:

• Grey plover Pluvalis squatarola (3.9% of the west European population);
• Sanderling Calidras alba (3.1% of the west European population);
• Dunlin Calidras alpina (2.6% of the west European population and over 20, 000 birds);
• Redshank Tringa totanus (4% of the west European population);
• Brent geese Branta bernicula (12% of the west European population);
• Shelduck Tadorna tadorna (4% of the west European population); and
• Teal Anas crecca (1% of the west European population).

The site qualifies under Article 4(2) by supporting internationally important numbers of the migratory bird species listed above and nationally important wintering numbers of the following migratory bird species:

• Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula;
• Curlew Numerius arquata;
• Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica;
• Turnstone Arenaria interpres;
• Wigeon Anas penelope;
• Pintail Anas acuta;
• Shoveler Anas clypeata; and
• Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator.

The site also qualifies under Article 4(1) because it provides a breeding site for three species of terns Sterna.

Source: English Nature, 1995

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last updated 4/6/04