New no-go zones to protect Pagham harbour

The exclusion areas are 150 metres wide around New Island and Tern Island in the nature reserve and surrounding two sensitive sites of the Pagham Spit, including the Little Lagoon.

They form part of the new bylaws which West Sussex County Council is adopting to ensure the internationally-recognised coastal area continues to offer as much protection as possible for the wildlife which sees it as home.

The rules are set to come into force early next month.

They will cover the entire site of 600 hectares which is managed by the county council.

Other notable points of the bylaws include the restrictions on dogs which are being continued from the existing regulations.

Nature reserve warden Rob Carver said: "Dogs must be kept on a lead except along the foreshore and specific dog off-lead routes and zones at Pagham and Sidlesham.

"There is a leaflet 'Walking your dog at Pagham Harbour' available from the visitor centre at Sidlesham, libraries, parish, district and county councils that explains this."

The lead-free areas include the boundary of Slipe Field and along the North Wall on the Pagham side. On the Sidlesham side, the lead-free area is around Yeomans Field immediately north of the visitor centre.

Penalties are also in place for those who fail to clear up after their pets.

Watersport activities such as kitesurfing, scuba diving and jet skiing are banned at the harbour because of the disturbance they would cause to the wildlife and its habitats as well as the safety risks to other users.

Mr Carver continued: "All vehicles, including quad bikes and motorcycles, are prohibited.