Environment Agency yet to decide on Harbour Farm's future amid local protests (updated)

Last updated:6, February 2024

The Environment Agency have told News OnTheWight that they not made any firm decisions about the future of Harbour Farm.

The land in Bembridge was purchased by the Environment Agency (EA) in 2013 as part of EA’s Water Level Management Plan, to allow for river levels to be raised therefore creating breeding grounds for wildfowl that includes brent geese, widgeons, shovellers, lapwings, and redshanks.

Local protest
On Sunday (4th Feb 2024) around 60 locals turned out to protest at the EA’s lack of action in relation to the farmland.

The ‘Harbour Farm Action Group’ accuse the EA of allowing the “once beautiful gardens, rare apple orchards, houses, stables and barns have been left to go to wrack and ruin”.

EA: We have not made any firm decisions
This afternoon (Monday), an Environment Agency spokesperson told News OnTheWight,

“We purchased Harbour Farm in 2014 to ensure the conservation and enhancement of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The land is leased to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), who recognise the importance of managing the site for the protection of bird species and wildlife.
“The wetlands are of international importance, and therefore we have an obligation to maintain the wetland habitat and water levels. We increased water levels on the site to protect the wildlife.

“We have not made any firm decisions about the future of Harbour Farm. When we get to the point of looking at potential options, we would be happy to discuss these with the local community.”

Confusion over working group?
A spokesperson for the EA also told News OnTheWight that no group within the EA has been set up, and no discussions or decisions have been made about the future operation and use of the farm.

This is despite the Harbour Farm Action Group claiming that the EA’s Flood Risk Advisor sent an email in May 2023 stating,