Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Around the margins of Castle Water the Water Mint is flowering and feeding many bees and other insects. Crush a leaf and its strong minty scent is distinctive. It is battling for light with the invasive Australian Swampweed :-(

Our last orchids of the summer, Autumn Lady's-tresses, are now flowering near the margins of the north end of Castle Water. They are really easy to overlook, but if you find one it's worth getting right down to get a good close view and see that the flowers seem to be made of sugar crystals!

This old photo from 1947 tells a story about how a non-native plant got to Rye Harbour and is now causing concern for some of our wildlife - https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/o ld-photos

An amazing wartime relic nearby is open tomorrow...

Lesser Burdock is now flowering around the reserve and has some interesting uses and was the inspiration for VELCRO, find out more here https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/n atural-velcro

Some of our Nature Tots and Wildlife Watch families might be interested in this...

Here is a summary of the Camber Castle opening for the rest of this year - full details here https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats- on/category/rye

The spectacular Wasp Spider is especially common this year on the Nature Reserve and at other sites around Rye. Look in tall dry grass. It was near here in the 1920's that it was first recorded, but it has now spread across much of the UK - https://www.buglife.org.uk/bugs-and-habit ats/wasp-spider

Visitor Paul James wrote yesterday on the website, https://www.sos.org.uk/recent-sightings "An enjoyable day at Rye Harbour with 16 species of wader recorded comprising Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover (5 at Castle Water), Lapwing, Whimbrel (4 at the Quarry), Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit (9 at Castle Water), Turnstone, Ruff (7 at Castle Water), Dunlin, Common Sandpiper (7 in total), Green Sandpiper (1 at Castle Water), Spotted Redshank (2 juvs at the Quarry/Flat Beach), Greenshank (3 at the Quarry/Flat Beach, 2 at Castle Water), Redshank and Snipe (3 at Castle Water). Also 4 Wheatears on the Beach Reserve and 9 Egyptian Geese and a male Southern Migrant Hawker at Castle Water." Photo is a juvenile Common Sandpiper catching a ragworm at the Denny hide.

Good numbers of Spotted Redshank around today with at least 3 from the Denny Hide and others reported. This is a brown juvenile that may have hatched in Scandanavia and be heading for a Mediterranean Winter, although a few sometimes Winter with us.

The juvenile Kingfisher fishing successfully at the Denny hide.

A very obliging juvenile Kingfisher at the Denny hide this morning showed its front and back views while catching fish from this post...

If you find a dead bird always check its legs for rings. Today a freshly dead (for no obvious reason) Mute Swan at Rye Harbour Farm was wearing this ring. ZY2167 was an RSPCA Mallydams rehabilitated bird released at Castle Water more than 6 years ago.

A good catch from Rye Bay many years ago

Combine a visit to the reserve with the Winchelsea Fete...

Bittersweet or Woody Nightshade growing on the bare shingle is now producing lots of mini (6mm) "tomatoes". They look similar because they are very close relatives. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-e xplo…/…/bittersweet

The Rye Arts Festival brochure 15-30th September can be downloaded from https://ryeartsfestival.org.uk or pick up one from our information centre. Come to an event and then visit us.

These arrived too late for our nesting seabirds...

Lots of lovely free guided walks not far away...

fantastic close up views of waders and smaller birds.

Wonderful place -- unexpectedly beautiful and the hides are lovely. The salt marsh and reedbeds with birdlife, and then the harbor with all it's activity -- plus the Bosun's bite cafe and William the conqueror pub nearby means it's a great location

We visited here on one of the hottest days of the year so we were very grateful for the sea breeze to cool us down.

Lots of wildlife to see including sea birds and a variety of insects and plants.

The man at the information centre was very helpful. He gave us a map and a choice of walks to go on. He showed us the route we chose on the map so we knew where we were going. We chose the shorter walk which took us just under 2 hours including time looking at the birds from the hides and admiring the views. All of our walk was on the flat on concrete and shingle paths.

The views were magnificent. Lots of photo opportunities.

It was very clean with several dog waste bins enroute. A very popular spot for dog walkers, bike riders and people enjoying a summer stroll like ourselves.

There were 3 hides that we saw and went into. They all over looked marsh lands with plenty of birds to look at. Charts on the wall of the hides shows pictures of birds to help you identify what you have seen.

Definitely recommend Rye Harbour Nature reserve for a place to enjoy the great outdoors.

We had a fantastic walk post Christmas. Went into one of the hides to see what we could see. Didn't have any binoculars but a kind bird watcher lent me his to look at the wildlife. So if you are just looking for a nice walk to remove a few cobwebs it's perfect of if your a serious bird watching type and want to look at birds it perfect. Then came home and ordered my very own binoculars for our next visit.

Walk with the Warden (Chris) on 30/7 was an unexpected bonus on a weekend break in Rye Harbour. Learned lots in a fun way about the flora and fauna, history and geology of the area. Spotted birds we would never have seen - or identified- on our own. Highly recommended.

Visiting the area. A privilege to walk all the way round. Discovered a new hobby - birdwatching. Pathways lined with wild plants. Great walking surface. Cyclists, wheelchair users, families, dog walkers all enjoying the scenery. Fabulous, unspoiled beach. No wonder Rye is proud of this nature reserve.

Superb access, info centre and a wide variety of wildlife! Despite a very windy day we walked all the way round and enjoyed every minute!!

My family have been walking along Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for many years, kids learnt to ride their bikes and taken many dogs there for a walk. Great place to blow a few cobwebs away during the year. Can see some great birds there if you know what your looking for. Everyone always friendly, weather it's dog walkers, bird watchers, couples or families. Hope it never changes.

Made our first visit today. It won’t be the last. My daughter and I loved spotting all the different birds.

Loved it, waterfowl, cattle, wild flowers only found at the seaside wild life areas. For me the most important was at times just the sound of the wind, sea, birds, insects and cattle. Nothing man made just nature at its best

I took my camera and 2 dogs. Wonderful opportunities to take plenty of shots. Place very clean from dog mess but would have liked more poo bins. No need to wear wellies as easy paths to walk on. Missing a cafe that would do a roaring trade. There is a small place there but not always open.

I will explore the little village next time. Dogs loved it too x

Great opportunity for fresh air for all ages. Kids adults and four legged friends ( as long as they are under control) New tarmac path great for prams or bikes for littleuns or a circular walk available but part gravel path. Hides for birds and also (pokestops ) for those inclined. Big car park toilets near and pub and cafe nearby what more could you want.�

Free car park - although you are asked to make a donation. Very popular and a good walk to the beach. Camber Sands to the left but you can't get there which isn't a problem as there is a lot to see and do. You can take your bike or your kids can take their scooters- although most were carried by frazzled parents.

Easy walking for those like me who find walking difficult. Access for wheelchairs is good, and free parking. Toilets close by too. Plenty of benches if you need a rest. Great for well behaved dogs all year round. Please clear up after them as a dog owner I am appalled at how many don't.

If you are an avid birdwatcher there are a great many hides dotted around.

All in all a great place to visit, something for everyone

Been here many times, beautiful place,

I have a relative over from Australia though I'd take her down there, she also loved it, you can see different things every time you visit, recommend highly, well worth a visit

Beautiful place and very tranquil. Had a very nice long walk and went for a swim on the beach early.

A place of beauty and tranquility; but every inch of it is bursting with life! I am so lucky that it is close to my home, and even luckier to be working there! I would recommend everyone to visit and join the Friends of Rye Harbour - you'll be hooked forever!

A natural unspoilt environment with plenty of wildlife.

A great place which has given much happiness and knowledge over many years

fantastic close up views of waders and smaller birds.

Wonderful place -- unexpectedly beautiful and the hides are lovely. The salt marsh and reedbeds with birdlife, and then the harbor with all it's activity -- plus the Bosun's bite cafe and William the conqueror pub nearby means it's a great location

We visited here on one of the hottest days of the year so we were very grateful for the sea breeze to cool us down.

Lots of wildlife to see including sea birds and a variety of insects and plants.

The man at the information centre was very helpful. He gave us a map and a choice of walks to go on. He showed us the route we chose on the map so we knew where we were going. We chose the shorter walk which took us just under 2 hours including time looking at the birds from the hides and admiring the views. All of our walk was on the flat on concrete and shingle paths.

The views were magnificent. Lots of photo opportunities.

It was very clean with several dog waste bins enroute. A very popular spot for dog walkers, bike riders and people enjoying a summer stroll like ourselves.

There were 3 hides that we saw and went into. They all over looked marsh lands with plenty of birds to look at. Charts on the wall of the hides shows pictures of birds to help you identify what you have seen.

Definitely recommend Rye Harbour Nature reserve for a place to enjoy the great outdoors.

We had a fantastic walk post Christmas. Went into one of the hides to see what we could see. Didn't have any binoculars but a kind bird watcher lent me his to look at the wildlife. So if you are just looking for a nice walk to remove a few cobwebs it's perfect of if your a serious bird watching type and want to look at birds it perfect. Then came home and ordered my very own binoculars for our next visit.

Walk with the Warden (Chris) on 30/7 was an unexpected bonus on a weekend break in Rye Harbour. Learned lots in a fun way about the flora and fauna, history and geology of the area. Spotted birds we would never have seen - or identified- on our own. Highly recommended.

Visiting the area. A privilege to walk all the way round. Discovered a new hobby - birdwatching. Pathways lined with wild plants. Great walking surface. Cyclists, wheelchair users, families, dog walkers all enjoying the scenery. Fabulous, unspoiled beach. No wonder Rye is proud of this nature reserve.

Superb access, info centre and a wide variety of wildlife! Despite a very windy day we walked all the way round and enjoyed every minute!!

My family have been walking along Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for many years, kids learnt to ride their bikes and taken many dogs there for a walk. Great place to blow a few cobwebs away during the year. Can see some great birds there if you know what your looking for. Everyone always friendly, weather it's dog walkers, bird watchers, couples or families. Hope it never changes.

Made our first visit today. It won’t be the last. My daughter and I loved spotting all the different birds.

Loved it, waterfowl, cattle, wild flowers only found at the seaside wild life areas. For me the most important was at times just the sound of the wind, sea, birds, insects and cattle. Nothing man made just nature at its best

I took my camera and 2 dogs. Wonderful opportunities to take plenty of shots. Place very clean from dog mess but would have liked more poo bins. No need to wear wellies as easy paths to walk on. Missing a cafe that would do a roaring trade. There is a small place there but not always open.

I will explore the little village next time. Dogs loved it too x

Great opportunity for fresh air for all ages. Kids adults and four legged friends ( as long as they are under control) New tarmac path great for prams or bikes for littleuns or a circular walk available but part gravel path. Hides for birds and also (pokestops ) for those inclined. Big car park toilets near and pub and cafe nearby what more could you want.�

Free car park - although you are asked to make a donation. Very popular and a good walk to the beach. Camber Sands to the left but you can't get there which isn't a problem as there is a lot to see and do. You can take your bike or your kids can take their scooters- although most were carried by frazzled parents.

Easy walking for those like me who find walking difficult. Access for wheelchairs is good, and free parking. Toilets close by too. Plenty of benches if you need a rest. Great for well behaved dogs all year round. Please clear up after them as a dog owner I am appalled at how many don't.

If you are an avid birdwatcher there are a great many hides dotted around.

All in all a great place to visit, something for everyone

Been here many times, beautiful place,

I have a relative over from Australia though I'd take her down there, she also loved it, you can see different things every time you visit, recommend highly, well worth a visit

Beautiful place and very tranquil. Had a very nice long walk and went for a swim on the beach early.

A place of beauty and tranquility; but every inch of it is bursting with life! I am so lucky that it is close to my home, and even luckier to be working there! I would recommend everyone to visit and join the Friends of Rye Harbour - you'll be hooked forever!

A natural unspoilt environment with plenty of wildlife.

A great place which has given much happiness and knowledge over many years

fantastic close up views of waders and smaller birds.

Wonderful place -- unexpectedly beautiful and the hides are lovely. The salt marsh and reedbeds with birdlife, and then the harbor with all it's activity -- plus the Bosun's bite cafe and William the conqueror pub nearby means it's a great location

We visited here on one of the hottest days of the year so we were very grateful for the sea breeze to cool us down.

Lots of wildlife to see including sea birds and a variety of insects and plants.

The man at the information centre was very helpful. He gave us a map and a choice of walks to go on. He showed us the route we chose on the map so we knew where we were going. We chose the shorter walk which took us just under 2 hours including time looking at the birds from the hides and admiring the views. All of our walk was on the flat on concrete and shingle paths.

The views were magnificent. Lots of photo opportunities.

It was very clean with several dog waste bins enroute. A very popular spot for dog walkers, bike riders and people enjoying a summer stroll like ourselves.

There were 3 hides that we saw and went into. They all over looked marsh lands with plenty of birds to look at. Charts on the wall of the hides shows pictures of birds to help you identify what you have seen.

Definitely recommend Rye Harbour Nature reserve for a place to enjoy the great outdoors.

We had a fantastic walk post Christmas. Went into one of the hides to see what we could see. Didn't have any binoculars but a kind bird watcher lent me his to look at the wildlife. So if you are just looking for a nice walk to remove a few cobwebs it's perfect of if your a serious bird watching type and want to look at birds it perfect. Then came home and ordered my very own binoculars for our next visit.

Walk with the Warden (Chris) on 30/7 was an unexpected bonus on a weekend break in Rye Harbour. Learned lots in a fun way about the flora and fauna, history and geology of the area. Spotted birds we would never have seen - or identified- on our own. Highly recommended.

Visiting the area. A privilege to walk all the way round. Discovered a new hobby - birdwatching. Pathways lined with wild plants. Great walking surface. Cyclists, wheelchair users, families, dog walkers all enjoying the scenery. Fabulous, unspoiled beach. No wonder Rye is proud of this nature reserve.

Superb access, info centre and a wide variety of wildlife! Despite a very windy day we walked all the way round and enjoyed every minute!!

My family have been walking along Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for many years, kids learnt to ride their bikes and taken many dogs there for a walk. Great place to blow a few cobwebs away during the year. Can see some great birds there if you know what your looking for. Everyone always friendly, weather it's dog walkers, bird watchers, couples or families. Hope it never changes.

Made our first visit today. It won’t be the last. My daughter and I loved spotting all the different birds.

Loved it, waterfowl, cattle, wild flowers only found at the seaside wild life areas. For me the most important was at times just the sound of the wind, sea, birds, insects and cattle. Nothing man made just nature at its best

I took my camera and 2 dogs. Wonderful opportunities to take plenty of shots. Place very clean from dog mess but would have liked more poo bins. No need to wear wellies as easy paths to walk on. Missing a cafe that would do a roaring trade. There is a small place there but not always open.

I will explore the little village next time. Dogs loved it too x

Great opportunity for fresh air for all ages. Kids adults and four legged friends ( as long as they are under control) New tarmac path great for prams or bikes for littleuns or a circular walk available but part gravel path. Hides for birds and also (pokestops ) for those inclined. Big car park toilets near and pub and cafe nearby what more could you want.�

Free car park - although you are asked to make a donation. Very popular and a good walk to the beach. Camber Sands to the left but you can't get there which isn't a problem as there is a lot to see and do. You can take your bike or your kids can take their scooters- although most were carried by frazzled parents.

Easy walking for those like me who find walking difficult. Access for wheelchairs is good, and free parking. Toilets close by too. Plenty of benches if you need a rest. Great for well behaved dogs all year round. Please clear up after them as a dog owner I am appalled at how many don't.

If you are an avid birdwatcher there are a great many hides dotted around.

All in all a great place to visit, something for everyone

Been here many times, beautiful place,

I have a relative over from Australia though I'd take her down there, she also loved it, you can see different things every time you visit, recommend highly, well worth a visit

Beautiful place and very tranquil. Had a very nice long walk and went for a swim on the beach early.

A place of beauty and tranquility; but every inch of it is bursting with life! I am so lucky that it is close to my home, and even luckier to be working there! I would recommend everyone to visit and join the Friends of Rye Harbour - you'll be hooked forever!

A natural unspoilt environment with plenty of wildlife.

A great place which has given much happiness and knowledge over many years

fantastic close up views of waders and smaller birds.

Wonderful place -- unexpectedly beautiful and the hides are lovely. The salt marsh and reedbeds with birdlife, and then the harbor with all it's activity -- plus the Bosun's bite cafe and William the conqueror pub nearby means it's a great location

We visited here on one of the hottest days of the year so we were very grateful for the sea breeze to cool us down.

Lots of wildlife to see including sea birds and a variety of insects and plants.

The man at the information centre was very helpful. He gave us a map and a choice of walks to go on. He showed us the route we chose on the map so we knew where we were going. We chose the shorter walk which took us just under 2 hours including time looking at the birds from the hides and admiring the views. All of our walk was on the flat on concrete and shingle paths.

The views were magnificent. Lots of photo opportunities.

It was very clean with several dog waste bins enroute. A very popular spot for dog walkers, bike riders and people enjoying a summer stroll like ourselves.

There were 3 hides that we saw and went into. They all over looked marsh lands with plenty of birds to look at. Charts on the wall of the hides shows pictures of birds to help you identify what you have seen.

Definitely recommend Rye Harbour Nature reserve for a place to enjoy the great outdoors.

We had a fantastic walk post Christmas. Went into one of the hides to see what we could see. Didn't have any binoculars but a kind bird watcher lent me his to look at the wildlife. So if you are just looking for a nice walk to remove a few cobwebs it's perfect of if your a serious bird watching type and want to look at birds it perfect. Then came home and ordered my very own binoculars for our next visit.

Walk with the Warden (Chris) on 30/7 was an unexpected bonus on a weekend break in Rye Harbour. Learned lots in a fun way about the flora and fauna, history and geology of the area. Spotted birds we would never have seen - or identified- on our own. Highly recommended.

Visiting the area. A privilege to walk all the way round. Discovered a new hobby - birdwatching. Pathways lined with wild plants. Great walking surface. Cyclists, wheelchair users, families, dog walkers all enjoying the scenery. Fabulous, unspoiled beach. No wonder Rye is proud of this nature reserve.

Superb access, info centre and a wide variety of wildlife! Despite a very windy day we walked all the way round and enjoyed every minute!!

My family have been walking along Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for many years, kids learnt to ride their bikes and taken many dogs there for a walk. Great place to blow a few cobwebs away during the year. Can see some great birds there if you know what your looking for. Everyone always friendly, weather it's dog walkers, bird watchers, couples or families. Hope it never changes.

Made our first visit today. It won’t be the last. My daughter and I loved spotting all the different birds.

Loved it, waterfowl, cattle, wild flowers only found at the seaside wild life areas. For me the most important was at times just the sound of the wind, sea, birds, insects and cattle. Nothing man made just nature at its best

I took my camera and 2 dogs. Wonderful opportunities to take plenty of shots. Place very clean from dog mess but would have liked more poo bins. No need to wear wellies as easy paths to walk on. Missing a cafe that would do a roaring trade. There is a small place there but not always open.

I will explore the little village next time. Dogs loved it too x

Great opportunity for fresh air for all ages. Kids adults and four legged friends ( as long as they are under control) New tarmac path great for prams or bikes for littleuns or a circular walk available but part gravel path. Hides for birds and also (pokestops ) for those inclined. Big car park toilets near and pub and cafe nearby what more could you want.�

Free car park - although you are asked to make a donation. Very popular and a good walk to the beach. Camber Sands to the left but you can't get there which isn't a problem as there is a lot to see and do. You can take your bike or your kids can take their scooters- although most were carried by frazzled parents.

Easy walking for those like me who find walking difficult. Access for wheelchairs is good, and free parking. Toilets close by too. Plenty of benches if you need a rest. Great for well behaved dogs all year round. Please clear up after them as a dog owner I am appalled at how many don't.

If you are an avid birdwatcher there are a great many hides dotted around.

All in all a great place to visit, something for everyone

Been here many times, beautiful place,

I have a relative over from Australia though I'd take her down there, she also loved it, you can see different things every time you visit, recommend highly, well worth a visit

Beautiful place and very tranquil. Had a very nice long walk and went for a swim on the beach early.

A place of beauty and tranquility; but every inch of it is bursting with life! I am so lucky that it is close to my home, and even luckier to be working there! I would recommend everyone to visit and join the Friends of Rye Harbour - you'll be hooked forever!

A natural unspoilt environment with plenty of wildlife.

A great place which has given much happiness and knowledge over many years