Langstone Harbour is a magical place for wildlife. Despite bordering a major city, the harbour is a tranquil and largely undisturbed place that provides an important refuge for an astonishing variety of animals and plants. The harbour is host to a diverse range of habitats, including intertidal mudflats, Seagrass meadows, and Atlantic saltmarsh. These habitats provide feeding grounds and refuge for internationally important assemblages of wildfowl and wading birds, perfect conditions for a Bass nursery, and even a haul out site for a small colony of Harbour Seals. The importance of Langstone Harbour as a place for Wildlife has been recognised by the following international laws and conventions, which together protect the habitats and associated species for future generations. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Protection Area (SPA)Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
Part of the Solent European Marine Site (SEMS)
Langstone Harbour is also an important area for water borne recreation, with a number of sailing clubs and a marina dotted around it’s shoreline. A Watersports centre on the western shore teaches local people the skills needed for dinghy sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. The University of Portsmouth rowing team, and the Langstone Harbour Waterskiiers Association also use the tranquil waters of Langstone Harbour. A small fleet of commercial fishing vessels operate in Langstone Harbour, harvesting fish and Oysters depending on the season, and many anglers fish from the shore. The harbour also supports two marine aggregate wharfs, which take delivery of over 300,000 tonnes annually of sand and gravel for use in the building industry. Material imported through Langstone Harbour is dredged from extraction areas in the Solent and supplied on vessels of up to 2,000 Gross Tons throughout the year. With a little bit of consideration, this diverse range of harbour users can work in harmony with the wildlife keeping Langstone Harbour special for future generations to enjoy. |
