Walk Leader: Paul Tinsley-Marshall
Join our Nature Reserve Manager for an exclusive guided walk around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, one of the largest and most important wildlife sites in England. Discover how the reserve is managed and learn about our plans for the future.
We'll take a circular walk stopping off at our bird hides. You'll spot seasonal wildlife and hear about the important work of the Nature Reserve team and our volunteers. There will be opportunities to ask questions on our walk.
At this time, young Common Terns will be learning to fly and leaving the nest, along with waders like Oystercatchers, Avocet and Redshank. You may see roosting Sandwich Terns and flocks of Curlew and Lapwing arriving for their annual moult. You could catch sight of ducks like Teal and Shoveler, and there's a chance of spotting a bird of prey. Plants in flower include Sea Aster and the rare Red Hemp-nettle. Butterflies and dragonflies may be active.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a wetland wildlife habitat of national and international importance, particularly for waterbirds, as well as insects. The mosaic of habitats supports many rare and vulnerable species and includes saltmarsh, grazing marsh, shingle, saline lagoons and ditches.
Location: Meet at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, Rye Harbour, TN31 7FW, see our website for how to find us.
What to bring: We recommend bringing binoculars, although if you don't own a pair, we’ll have some available to borrow. Please dress for the weather.
Parking:The main Car Park at Harbour Road, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TT is about a 10 minute walk from the Discovery Centre.
Accessibility: Our gently-paced 2 mile (3 km) walk will start and end at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, a wheelchair-friendly venue, with a step-free entrance ramp. Toilet facilities include two that are wheelchair accessible, and we will be no more than a mile away from them on the walk. Most of the route is easy for wheelchairs, and the bird hides are accessible. However a section of the walk has some uneven and loose surfaces, making it moderately difficult for manual wheelchairs.
Public Transport: The 313 Stagecoach bus travels from Northiam to Rye train station and on to Rye Harbour village.
Dogs: Please note that although we welcome well-behaved dogs to the café, they are not generally permitted on our events, walks and courses (except assistance dogs).
Cancellation policy: Refunds are not usually available within 30 days of a scheduled event. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking. If you have any questions about this event, email us at: rhdcoffice@sussexwt.org.uk
Photos: Curlew in flight © Alan Price, Paul T-M © Gesine Garz, aerial view of RHNR © Stuart Conway.
