The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (registered charity number 269535) was established in 1973 and is a support organisation with more than 2000 members who pay a minimum annual subscription of £10.
A committee of five officers and up to eight other members meets at least four times a year to direct and oversee the Friends‘ activities.
Friends receive a Newsletter three times a year, in digital or printed form, and can participate in exclusive Friends’ outdoor events in addition to indoor lectures and the AGM.
Volunteers from The Friends are registered with Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT). For many years they have staffed information centres – now the Discovery Centre – stalls at outside events and fund-raising events. Once a month there is a Guide in a Hide event, showing visitors wildlife through binoculars and telescopes. Volunteers also contribute wildlife sightings to SWT. Others support educational events, conservation work parties and litter clearance under the direction of SWT staff.
Income from membership subscriptions and donations is used to support the day-to-day running of the reserve and, when the need arises, to acquire equipment, land and property.
