Sussex AONB to feature on BBC One’s Countryfile after visit from Matt Baker and Anita Rani

The unique features of Chichester Harbour are set to be featured on BBC One show Countryfile.
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Presenters Matt Baker and Anita Rani joined Chichester Harbour Conservancy director and harbour master Richard Craven to find out more about the harbour, as well as some of the key projects taking place in the area – notably habitat restoration, scientific research into microplastics and wildlife success.

Richard said: “It was a privilege to share some of the key projects we’ve been working on, and we look forward to Countryfile viewers watching the programme and finding out more about this very special place.”

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Anita explored the success of artificial tern rafts with Peter Hughes, the conservancy’s ecologist, which were first installed off Thorney Island last year and have attracted many breeding pairs, and have since been re-installed for the 2020 season.

Matt Baker, Dr Richard Austin and Anita Rani at Dell Quay. Picture: Paul AdamsMatt Baker, Dr Richard Austin and Anita Rani at Dell Quay. Picture: Paul Adams
Matt Baker, Dr Richard Austin and Anita Rani at Dell Quay. Picture: Paul Adams

Anita also met Dr Sarah Marley, to talk about the harbour’s group of seals and how they have been impacted by lockdown, as well as Dr Corina Ciocan, senior lecturer in marine bology at the University of Brighton, to understand more about microplastics and the research being undertaken in the harbour about this important area.

Matt discussed the importance of salt marshes with Dr Richard Austin, the conservancy’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty manager.

Richard said: “We were delighted to welcome the BBC Countryfile team to share a glimpse of what the harbour has to offer.

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“Chichester Harbour is a pocket sized but nationally important landscape, with a diverse range of habitats, an array of important wildlife, and a busy recreational space which usually welcomes thousands of sailors, walkers, cyclists and visitors every year.”

Matt Baker at Chichester Harbour. Picture: Paul AdamsMatt Baker at Chichester Harbour. Picture: Paul Adams
Matt Baker at Chichester Harbour. Picture: Paul Adams

Filming took place in Chichester Harbour on July 9/10.

The episode will air on BBC One at 7pm on Sunday (July 26).

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A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

Anita Rani with Chichester Harbour's seals. Picture: Paul AdamsAnita Rani with Chichester Harbour's seals. Picture: Paul Adams
Anita Rani with Chichester Harbour's seals. Picture: Paul Adams

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