Oyster Restoration special boat trip with the Solent Seascape Project (departing Itchenor)

Join Blue Marine Foundation’s Barny Hobbs aboard our solar-powered tour boat to find out all about the Solent Seascape Project’s oyster restoration in Chichester Harbour.  Earlier this year, 20,000 native oysters were cleaned by volunteers then deployed onto a brand-new oyster reef.  With a strong social history linked to oysters, this project marks an important step for nature recovery in the Chichester Harbour.  Sail over the site and find out what it takes to build a new oyster reef, and why native oysters are so important for our marine and coastal ecosystem.
 
The boat is open-sided with beautiful panoramic harbour views. There is a large, stable deck and freedom to move around once the trip is underway.

Meeting Instructions

• This trip departs from the jetty at Itchenor, PO20 7AW.
• Meet on the raised viewing platform outside the Harbour Office, 15 minutes before the departure time (note, it is a 5 minute walk from the carpark).
• For safety reasons avoid waiting on the road area or jetty.
• The crew will meet you on the viewing platform and escort you to the boat for boarding.
• The trip will depart at the scheduled time, we are unable to wait for passengers who have not arrived.  Check the traffic before you leave and allow plenty of time for travel and parking. The car park can get busy during peak times.

Accessibility

• The boat is fitted with a passenger lift and is wheelchair-accessible. If you require the use of the lift, please select the appropriate ticket when booking or contact the harbour office on 01243 512301 or by emailing [email protected] (monitored during office hours, Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm excluding bank holidays).
• The wheelchair lift platform measures 120cm x 80cm with a maximum weight limit of 300kg. Please see our FAQs on the website for pictures and more information: https://boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
• Free parking for Blue Badge holders is available on the Street.  All vehicles are required to pay in the car park as it has Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
• There is an accessible toilet located by the Harbour Office in Itchenor.  The onboard toilet is not wheelchair accessible.

Travel

• There is no public transport direct to Itchenor.
• Parking is available in the Itchenor public car park - PO20 7AE. what3words: parkway.mountain.plugs
• Pay on exit via card/contactless at the machine in the centre of the car park (alternatively, parking can be paid for up to 48 hours after departure via our website www.conservancy.co.uk) - see further details on the signs in the car park.

Points to note

• Binoculars are available to borrow.
• Dress warmly with layers – it is always cooler on the water.
• You are welcome to bring your own food/refreshments. No glass drinking glasses please in case of breakages.
• There is a small toilet on board (apologies this is not wheelchair accessible).
• Lifejackets are available. They are not required to be worn as standard but you can if you wish-please ask your crew member on board.
• Well-behaved dogs welcome

Cancellation Information

• Outdoor events and boat trips are weather-dependent (winds above safe operational levels, heavy rain, poor visibility).
• If you have booked, we endeavour to inform you by email in good time if a trip needs to be cancelled. 
• Please ensure you include your email address during booking and check your emails the night before and before leaving home in case of cancellations. You will receive a full refund.
• On occasion we may need to cancel trips if there are insufficient bookings.
• On-the-day tickets are available if there are spaces (pay on board cash or card).

For further information and answers to frequently asked questions, please see our website: www.boattripschichesterharbour.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!