New 35-mile stretch of coastal path opens

A new 35-mile (56km) stretch of the King Charles III England Coast Path will give walkers access to more of the coastline around Chichester Harbour.

The trail links South Hayling in Hampshire to East Head near West Wittering in West Sussex.

It completes more than 210 miles of continuous coastal path between Calshot in Hampshire and Rye Harbour in East Sussex.

Graham Horton, deputy director for Natural England's Thames Solent team, said: "It will give people access to the wonderful habitats and amazing villages around the harbour."

Horton said it would "enable anyone to go to the coastline, turn left or right, and in theory you can walk all the way around the English coast".

He said it is a well signposted path which is accessible for anyone.

Horton said Natural England had worked with landowners and stakeholders to agree the route, saying it required "careful negotiation" to protect wildlife and people's interests.

The new section winds around various islands and peninsulas taking in a range of habitats.

There are opportunities to spot seals and bird populations, especially winter migrant species such as brent geese, ringed plover, and curlew.

Thorney Island just off Chichester Harbour offers an eight-mile loop for birdwatching around its wild perimeter.

Joy Dennis, West Sussex County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said the trail would boost local tourism, support wildlife, and give people the chance to explore areas previously out of reach.

She added: "Importantly, the trail has been designed to adapt to coastal erosion, ensuring that public access is protected in the future."

Once complete, the England Coast Path will run for almost 2,700 miles, making it the world's longest managed coastal walking route.

There are still 78 miles of the path still awaiting a government decision.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.