Thorney Island

Thorney Island is a low-lying peninsula in West Sussex that juts into Chichester Harbour. It is owned by the Ministry of Defence and separated from the mainland by a narrow channel called the Great Deep. The island is bounded by the Emsworth Channel to the west and the Thorney Channel to the east. West Thorney village sits on the east coast and has been absorbed into the military base. A public footpath circles the perimeter, forming part of the Sussex Border Path. The island has military significance and a history tied to aviation. A Royal Air Force airfield was built here in 1938, and the base later became Baker Barracks for the Royal Artillery. The 26th Field Regiment Royal Artillery once operated the FH70 howitzer, followed by the 47th Regiment with Starstreak HVM missiles. The 12th Regiment Royal Artillery moved to the island in 2008. A Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard honours aircrew from both world wars. Visitors can walk the public footpath marked by yellow posts, though access to the southern part is limited. The path passes St Nicholas Church at West Thorney. Pilsey Island, now joined by a sandbank, lies to the south as an RSPB nature reserve. A sailing club operates on the east side, and the airfield serves as a car park for the Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre. Winter shoots for partridge, pheasant and snipe take place fortnightly.