Sidlesham with Selsey North

Sidlesham is a rural parish situated on the Manhood Peninsula, characterised by its flat, open landscape of farmland and coastal fields. The area includes the hamlet of Sidlesham itself and extends to encompass the northern part of the larger town of Selsey, known as the Selsey North ward. This creates a blend of agricultural surroundings and more residential neighbourhoods, with the area fundamentally shaped by its proximity to the sea and the nearby Pagham Harbour.

The region is defined by its coastal ecology, with significant areas forming part of the Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve, a major site for birdlife. The flat terrain is crisscrossed by drainage channels and footpaths, including the route of the former Sidlesham railway line. Economic activity has traditionally been linked to the land and sea, with a history of oyster farming, though this has greatly diminished. The area's geography makes it particularly susceptible to coastal flooding, influencing local land use and planning.