A large coastal reserve with vegetated shingle, grassland and water features

One of the most important conservation sites on the Sussex coast Rye Harbour Local Nature Reserve has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds, and as a Ramsar site that takes account of its importance as a wetland on an international scale. Rye Harbour is managed by East Sussex County Council and owned by Environment Agency, private landowners and the Trust. Much of the site management is undertaken by a dedicated team of volunteers the Friends of Rye Harbour.

What you can see

Great birdwatching at any time of year, with frequent rarities. Scarce saltmarsh and shingle plants. Many specialist and unusual insects.

Access

The site is quite flat with some wheelchair access to four of the hides, although there are stiles where the sheep are grazing the fields. The reserve is large with many paths, but allow for a walk of seven kilometres or so if you wish to make the round trip back to the car park taking in Castle Water. The visitor centre at Limekiln Cottage is manned by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and is open every weekend between 10:00 and 16:00 – please call 01797 223862 for further information or visit Rye Harbour nature reserve website

photo Neil Flecther