Chichester canal restoration

Chichester Canal was designed and constructed by Civil Engineer John Rennie, who also constructed the Kennet and Avon Canal as well as London Bridge.

Construction started on Chichester Ship Canal by Act of parliament in 1819 opening 3 years later in 1822. The canal formed part of the network that connected Portsmouth to London. When opened, the canal consisted of 2 Locks and 6 Bridges.

The principal trade was Coal for the Local Gasworks. The commercial viability of the Portsmouth to London route was not as anticipated and it was largely abandoned in the period 1868–1875.

Chichester City Council took ownership of the Chichester Ship Canal in 1892 to ensure the Chichester connection to the sea remained. In 1906 the last commercial cargo of 6 tons of shingle was carried from Birdham to Chichester Basin.

Through navigation became impossible in 1925 when the 2 main road bridges were replaced with culverts. In 1928 Chichester Council abandoned the Canal.

Chichester Canal is designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI); a local wildlife site with substantive nature conservation value. 

Since its abandonment in 1906 the Chichester Canal has been relatively undisturbed. It has acquired a rich wildlife associated with its mosaic of open water, marginal vegetation, banks and bordering hedgerows. 

Some sections of the canal, particularly between Donnington and Birdham Road, have well developed reedbeds of Common Reed (Phragmites australis). This is a scarce type of habitat in the county and is particularly important for species of birds.

The canal has a well-established Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) population, a rare mammal, along much of its extent. The animal and its habitat are protected by law. This species is dependent on diverse layered bank side vegetation and permeable earth banks with areas that are undisturbed. Water Shrew and a good number of Dragonfly species have also been recorded.

The canal forms an important aquatic and terrestrial wildlife corridor. It links areas of semi natural habitat between Chichester Harbour and Chichester Gravel Pits. Species of bat feed and traverse the canal. 

Management and restoration works need to be carefully planned to prevent unlawful operations, and to maintain and enhance the nature conservation value of the site. A balance needs to be maintained between the extent of open water, submerged aquatic and marginal vegetation. The reedbeds are of great importance and thus some areas of reed should be conserved.