Christchurch Bay water quality history

Explore historical Environment Agency samples and annual bathing water classifications for Christchurch Bay in New Forest.

Christchurch Bay is a resort beach at Barton on Sea on the south-west coast of Hampshire. It looks out across Christchurch Bay with views of the Isle of Wight to the east. The shingle beach has rock groynes and a steep slope, flattening to shallow sandy flats that are exposed when the tide retreats. There are relatively stable paths along the beach which is backed by 30 metre high clay cliffs.

Available sample history
1988 to 2026
Samples
705
Latest official classification
Excellent (2025)

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Annual classification history

Official assessments and historical estimates are labelled separately. Missing years are not filled in.

Available annual results, newest first
YearClassificationAssessment source
2025ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2024ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2023ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2022ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2021ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2019ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2018ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2017ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2016ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2015ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2014ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2013ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2012ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2011ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2010ExcellentOfficial Environment Agency assessment
2009ExcellentHistorical estimate
2008ExcellentHistorical estimate
2007ExcellentHistorical estimate
2006ExcellentHistorical estimate
2005ExcellentHistorical estimate
2004ExcellentHistorical estimate
2003ExcellentHistorical estimate
2002ExcellentHistorical estimate
2001ExcellentHistorical estimate
2000ExcellentHistorical estimate
1999ExcellentHistorical estimate
1998ExcellentHistorical estimate
1997ExcellentHistorical estimate
1996SufficientHistorical estimate
1995SufficientHistorical estimate
1994SufficientHistorical estimate
1993SufficientHistorical estimate
1992SufficientHistorical estimate
1991SufficientHistorical estimate
1990SufficientHistorical estimate
1989Not assessedHistorical estimate
1988Not assessedHistorical estimate

Source: Environment Agency / Swimfo. Data retrieved 16 October 2026. Historical trends do not describe conditions today; check Swimfo and local notices for current advice.

Nearby bathing waters