Thorney Island footpath reopens after two-year closure

A circular walk on a peninsula off Chichester Harbour has reopened after a two-year closure for repairs.

Thorney Island, which is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel called the Great Deep, is part of the Chichester Harbour Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The 8-mile (13km) circular Thorney Island Coastal Path closed in October 2023 for repairs to its eastern side.

A West Sussex County Council (WSCC) spokesperson described the footpath reopening as “good news”.

The statement added: “The Thorney Island Coastal Path has reopened to the public after we received confirmation that the works to the bridge and path had been completed and inspected.”

Thorney Island, a designated special protection area, has been joined to the mainland since 1870 after the reclamation of 72 hectares of tidal mudflats.

It includes 2,800 hectares of intertidal mudflats which are internationally recognised for their importance for wildlife.

It is home to species including brent geese, oystercatchers, lapwings,curlews, skylarks and shelducks.

The circular walk takes in sites including Stanbury Point, St Nicholas’ Church and Longmere Point.

Thorney Island was taken over by the Ministry of Defence in 1984 and became an army base.

The King Charles III and Sussex Border Path run around the entire perimeter of the peninsula.