Shoreham Harbour
Shoreham Harbour, located on the West Sussex coast between Shoreham-by-Sea and Southwick, includes key features such as the harbour entrance, Shoreham Fort, and the RNLI Lifeboat Station. This stretch of coast combines tidal estuary, rocky shoreline, and adjacent open sea, forming a dynamic interface between urban infrastructure and coastal ecology.
📍 Key Site Features
- Harbour Mouth: Tidal inlet linking the River Adur to the English Channel
- Shoreham Fort: Elevated vantage point overlooking breakwaters and foreshore
- Lifeboat Station: Operational marine facility with adjacent piers and viewing platforms
- Nearby habitats: Include shingle beach, mudflats, intertidal zones, and estuarine margins
🐦 Birdlife and Seasonal Sightings
Shoreham Harbour supports a mix of waders, gulls, and seabirds, with activity most noticeable during migration and winter months.
| Species Group | Examples Seen at Site | Notes on Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Waders | Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit | Seen feeding on exposed tidal margins during low tide |
| Gulls | Black-headed Gull, Mediterranean Gull | Year-round; increased numbers in autumn/winter |
| Seabirds | Gannet | Occasionally visible offshore, diving for fish |
🌊 Ecological Significance
- The tidal flow at the harbour entrance exposes mudflats and rocky substrates that support foraging birds, especially small waders
- Breakwaters and piers serve as loafing and observation points for gulls and coastal raptors
- Offshore waters attract diving species and support fish populations critical for seabirds