Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society
Campaigning to improve the waters
of Christchurch
Christchurch Harbour is one of the South Coast’s most treasured natural landscapes, a sheltered estuary where the Rivers Avon and Stour meet the sea, rich in wildlife, leisure activities, heritage and beauty.
The Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society is a voluntary community organisation dedicated to protecting and celebrating this unique environment. Our society volunteers come from all walks of life: local residents, boat owners, watersports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families, united by a shared passion to see Christchurch Harbour thrive for generations to come.
We are campaigning for greater protection of the Stour, Avon and Christchurch Harbour. We increase our understanding of the issues through regular water testing and by consistently engaging with all the various organisations that care for and use our waters.
Why this Matters
The more testing we have done, the more convinced we are that Christchurch Harbour needs formal environmental protection. With a surface area and water volume both around 15 times less than Poole Harbour; Christchurch has to cope with two sizeable rivers flowing into it, both with colossal catchment areas. For comparison Poole Harbour only has the relatively small River Frome and the tiny River Piddle.
Stretching up into Wiltshire, anything that flows off the land into our two rivers ends up in a Harbour that simply cannot cope with the levels of nutrients, phosphates and forever chemicals flowing into it.
These chemicals arise from agricultural run-off, road system run off, sewage outfalls and leeching from landfill sites.
This is a threat to the health of Christchurch Harbour.
Someone has to take a lead on this.
Our Mission
The mission of the Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society is:
To protect the ecological integrity of Christchurch Harbour and its rivers, advocating for clean water, sustainable land and water practices, and policies that prevent pollution and habitat degradation.
To support nature-friendly initiatives that benefit fish, birds, marine life and the wider environment.
To engage the community, raising awareness of environmental issues among local authorities, organisations and residents.
We believe that a healthy harbour isn’t just about scenic beauty — it’s about ensuring thriving wildlife, safe recreational use, sustainable local economies and a legacy that future generations can enjoy and be proud of.
What We Do
Regular Water Testing
We have been carrying out regular water testing of the Rivers Stour and Avon as they pass through Christchurch for four years now, building a picture of nitrate, phosphate and E. coli levels linked to tidal conditions, rainfall and other weather patterns in an effort to create a greater understanding of the causes of any rises in pollution.
Community Engagement
Through regular talks within the community, we endeavour to raise the profile of Christchurch Harbour in an effort to increase understanding of its vulnerability.
Collaboration with Partners
We have been working with Surfers Against Sewage as we campaign for bathing water status for the harbour, as well as with the New Forest branch of Friends of the Earth, who are building a formidable reputation for their work campaigning for the improved health of the New Forest’s waterways.
We are also now coordinating our work with a team from Bournemouth University who are working in the same environment as ourselves.
We are also in communication with all the water-based sports organisations, helping to coordinate a response to the threat of water pollution. Christchurch Harbour is a busy recreational water-based area with thousands of users who deserve to be safe: sailors, rowers, paddleboarders, windsurfers, kayakers and canoeists, as well as swimmers.
We cannot leave out our regular communication with CHOG, the wonderful Christchurch Harbour Ornithological Group, who have seen first-hand the negative effects that high nitrate levels have had on increased algal growth. To the layman, that means invasive weed. Such weed makes it increasingly difficult for migrating and resident bird populations to reach through and feed. In many parts of the world, such weed growth has taken over and reached problematic levels. We do not want that for Christchurch Harbour, for either bird or human populations.
Lobbying for Harbour Protection
We have been lobbying for harbour protection for 18 months now. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) has been notified of our findings. The full council voted unanimously for environmental protection for the harbour in March 2025, but nothing has moved on since. At 6pm on 15 July this year, the Environment and Place Committee will be discussing how to move the matter forward. A huge day for Christchurch… we will be there.
“If we do not act now, Christchurch Harbour, it’s biodiversity and surrounding communities will suffer irreparable damage”
Martin Stewart, Chair of the Christchurch Harbour & Marine Society
Whether you’re local to Christchurch or simply love coastal environments, there are many ways to support our work:
• Stay up to date via this website
• Sign up to our mailing list
• Attend talks and events
• Support our future campaigns and petitions
• Write to your politician – a template letter will be available shortly via a link in our menu bar.
Together we can work together to ensure that Christchurch Harbour continues to be a place of beauty, biodiversity and community pride.
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