East Head
East Head is the sand dune spit situated at the eastern side of the entrance to Chichester Harbour. It is a stunning example of a natural and dynamic coastal feature which is of great interest to environmentalists and ecologists because of its fragile nature. It is an SSSI (site of special scientific interest) and a Ramsar site (a wetland site of international importance).
East Head is approached from the far western end of the West Wittering beach car park and has been managed by The National Trust since 1966 when it was gifted to the Trust by West Wittering Estate Plc, via West Sussex County Council. Throughout this time volunteer wardens and student placements have played a valuable role in managing the feature.
The sand dune spit is about 1000 metres long and 400 metres wide at the widest point and covers about 10 hectares. It is joined to the mainland by a very narrow strip at the car park end which is known as the 'hinge'. The sea broke through at this point in October 2004 but the effect of the breach is being mitigated by the sand & shingle recharge which was positioned in 2005 and 2009. The beach on the western (seaward) side is mostly of fine sand with shingle at the northern end and East Head has been formed from this sand washed along the coast from east to west by a process known as longshore drift. The sand is deposited on the shallow area on the seaward side of the feature which at times of low tides can be dried and blown by the wind onto the shore to form the dunes, which over time become stabilised by plants such as the marram grass. The chestnut paling fences which you can see there assist this process and also help to prevent people, and especially children, from damaging the fragile dunes.
On the seaward side an extensive area of sand, mud and shingle amounting to about 100 hectares and known as The Winner is exposed at low tide. On the landward side an area of 30 hectares of salt marsh has been formed between East Head and the mainland. The sand dunes and the salt marsh are rare habitats that are home to a wide range of specialised coastal flora and fauna. East Head is also a popular site for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when the whole area is teeming with over-wintering migrants.
Uncluttered by coastal defences, East Head's natural sandy beaches are a precious 'wild' resource, treasured by many. Situated in the heart of the predominantly defended coastline of the South East, East Head is a unique example of a natural and dynamic coastal feature. It is a feature prone to constant daily change resulting from the influences of the wind direction and strength, the height of the tides and the resulting effect of the waves.
In its management of East Head the National Trust seeks to improve the conservation value and to promote the quiet enjoyment of this very delicate and important property by the public. The Trust regards the provision of information for visitors and educational establishments as a high priority.
More information on the National Trust can be found on their website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk and further information about East Head is contained in an excellent little booklet available from the Chichester Harbour Conservancy office at Itchenor entitled 'East Head' details of which are available on their website: www.conservancy.co.uk
January 2022: The Preservation and Protection of Access to East Head Spit
The removal of ageing sea defences along with high spring tides and storms caused noticeable changes to the western end of the beach carpark at groynes 19-20. In January 2021, over-washing and flooding was observed, along with undermining of the tarmac.
The video shows the extent of the damage being caused.
Flooding and undermining of the car park
Concept drawing of the proposed works
With further significant storms expected, as well as the potential impacts of climate change/rising sea levels, effective management of this area was a priority for the company and the East Head Coastal Issues Advisory Group (EHCIAG).
A planning application was submitted proposing an extension to the shingle bank north of the beach on the hinge, through the car park using 3000 tonnes of recycled material from East Head itself - creating a backstop for a natural beach to form, inline with the management policy for this area under the North Solent Shoreline Management Plan.
These works would also provide an excellent opportunity to undertake essential drainage works to create additional useable parking space over autumn and winter.
The priority is to continue to protect and preserve East Head and its unique heritage as a natural, mobile sand and shingle spit, as well as the salt marsh and abundant wildlife of Snowhill Creek. Adopting this strategy promotes natural regeneration and will safeguard the area for future generations to enjoy.
Woodger Trust & Chichester Harbour Conservancy
A similar project was successfully undertaken further west in early 2016, the cost of which was initially met by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy and reimbursed by the Woodger Trust.
On 21st June 2021 Stuart Dobbin and Bill Craven from the Trust attended a guided tour of the hinge area, accompanied by WWE Management. The purpose and scope of the project was outlined, and the Trustees kindly agreed to make a grant of the full amount of the quotation from B&M Plant, net of VAT - £32,528.
Work began on the 31st of January 2022 under a strict watching brief by The National Trust and the shingle bank was completed on 22nd of February.
The slideshow below shows the area before and after: