West Thorney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Thorney |
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 West Thorney Church |
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 West Thorney
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| Area | 12.23 km2 (4.72 sq mi) |
| Population | 1,183. 2011 Census |
| • Density | 88/km2 (230/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | SU768023 |
| • London | 59 miles (95 km) NE |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EMSWORTH |
| Postcode district | PO10 |
| Dialling code | 01243 |
| Police | Sussex |
| Fire | West Sussex |
| Ambulance | South East Coast |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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West Thorney is a small village and a civil parish (a local government area) in West Sussex, England. It is located about 9 kilometers (6 miles) west of the city of Chichester. You can find it south of the main A27 road.
West Thorney is special because it sits on Thorney Island. This island is actually the southern part of a piece of land that sticks out into Chichester Harbour. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow water channel called the Great Deep. Just south of Thorney Island is a smaller island called Pilsey Island, which is a safe place for many birds.
Thorney Island used to be an airfield during World War II, known as RAF Thorney Island. It was used by the Royal Air Force until 1976. Since 1982, the base has been used by the Royal Artillery, which is part of the British Army. Because of this, only the church and a coastal walking path are open to the public. If you want to visit, you need to give your name and address using an intercom to be allowed through special gates.
The whole parish of West Thorney covers an area of about 12.23 square kilometers (1223 hectares). In 2011, about 1,183 people lived here.
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West Thorney's Church
The local church in West Thorney is an Anglican church. It is named after St Nicholas, who is known as the patron saint of sailors. The first parts of this church were built a very long time ago, around the year 1100 A.D. It was likely built under the orders of a bishop named Warlewast.
West Thorney's Past
The area of Thorney was once owned by the church of Bosham. This was true even during the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Later, the Bishops of Exeter owned the land. In 1086 A.D., a very old book called the Domesday Book mentioned Thorney. It recorded that a person named Mauger held 12 "hides" of land (an old way to measure land) in Thorney.
In 1548, the Bishop of Exeter sold the land to Thomas Fisher. The very next year, Thomas Fisher sold it to Henry Bickley.
Nature and Wildlife in West Thorney
West Thorney is home to some amazing natural areas.
Chichester Harbour
Part of Chichester Harbour is located within the West Thorney parish. This harbour is very important for nature. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which means it has special plants, animals, or geology. It is also a wetland that is important around the world. It is a Special Protection Area for wild birds and a Special Area of Conservation.
The harbour is especially important for birds that spend the winter there, like wildfowl and wading birds. There are five different types of these birds that visit in such large numbers that the area is considered internationally important for them.
Pilsey Island
Pilsey Island is a small island found in Chichester Harbour. It is just off the southeastern tip of Thorney Island. This small island is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It is also officially recognized as a Local Nature Reserve, which helps protect its wildlife.
