Nature reserve may be handed over to bird charity

West Sussex County Council, which currently manages Pagham Nature Reserve, this week announced it had agreed to hold initial discussions with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds over a proposal to transfer management of the site to the charity.

A possible transfer is seen as an ideal way of securing the site and making necessary savings.

It was also announced that plans to redevelop the visitor centre would now be put on hold while discussions took place and as part of a greater vision for the area, the RSPB has also been in talks with the Environment Agency over the possibility of taking over the long-term management of the Medmerry area of Selsey.

Cabinet member for the environment and economy, Cllr Deborah Urquhart, said: "It's not just about financial savings but about doing what's best for the nature reserve.

"It's going to take some financial investment over the years and the county council just has not got the money to do that.

"The RSPB is a well-renowned wildlife conservation group and has a huge amount of experience in this area and we look forward to working with them in terms of these negotiations."

Cllr Urquhart said nothing had been decided and everyone involved would get to have their say. While the talks took place, it would be 'business as usual' at the reserve.

Regional reserves manager for RSPB south east Mark Underhill said the aim would be to protect the harbour's special atmosphere.

"Pagham Harbour is a fantastic place for wildlife and people and it's important it's got a secure future. We realise the difficult decisions the county council has to make and if we can step in and help, then we'd like to help secure the future."

Chairman of the Friends of Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve Peter Gadd agreed the RSPB had a good track record, and that it could bring greater investment and a stronger educational side to the harbour, but did express concerns about the county council relinquishing local control of such an important area.

Mr Gadd praised the council for its 'fantastic job' in balancing the job of looking after wildlife with the interests of people involved with the harbour.

Cllr Urquhart added: "Pagham Harbour is dearly loved by many residents and I want to reassure them we would not look into anything that would jeopardise the future of the reserve. We want to ensure the future of Pagham is safe for many years to come."

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