14 February – The Artist Eric Ravillious Talks

14 February – The Artist Eric Ravillious

Saturday 14th February 2026 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

Local Artist Jim Northover will give a presentation on another local and well known artist Eric Ravilious

These talks are for members of The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve only. There is no charge, though donations are gratefully accepted. If you are not a member of The Friends but would like to attend, please JOIN US and let us know.

Limited places are available and booking for members of The Friends will open at 8.00am on 1st January.
Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.

Past Events

Guide in a Hide 25 October 2025

What great Guide in a Hide day we had yesterday, largely in sunshine, and ending with a rainbow!

The fantastic high tide gave us over 50 different species of birds to show our 131 visitors. The 1500 or so Golden Plover were spectacular when whirling around, the Wigeon whistled all day, the Spoonbill showed up, and a Kingfisher gave a few lucky visitors their first ever sighting.

This is our 4th year of running this wonderful and popular event. In that time the team has given 1700 hours of time and had the pleasure of welcoming over 8100 visitors!

We are continually thrilled to see the interest, excitement and amazement in people’s faces at seeing birds close up and learning something about them. In particular, the children, looking, listening and learning give us enormous pleasure and make giving up our time so very rewarding.

Thank you so much for coming along and we hope to see you again next time, Sunday 9th November 10am until 3pm.

giah

24 October – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 24th October 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use. There will also be guides outside the Discovery Centre.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

No booking necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

26 September – Guide in a Hide giah

26 September – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 26th September 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use. There will also be guides outside the Discovery Centre.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

No booking necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

giah

25 July – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 25th July 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use. There will also be guides outside the Discovery Centre.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

No booking necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

giah

20 June – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 20th June 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use. There will also be guides outside the Discovery Centre.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

No booking necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

16 May – Guide in a Hide giah

16 May – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 16th May 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

Drop in to the Gooders hide between the car park and the sea where there will be guides stationed throughout the day to show you the birds. Binoculars, telescopes and spotter sheets available for you to use. There will also be guides outside the Discovery Centre.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

No booking necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

18 April – Guide in a Hide giah

18 April – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 18th April 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

The team is ready to show you the spring birds of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

We’ll be outside the Discovery Centre and inside Gooders Hide which is just a bit further up the path towards the river mouth. 

We’ll have binoculars and telescopes for you to use. You can try your hand at seeing birds close up and find out how to recognise the different bird species.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

The event is FREE and no booking is necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

giah

07 March – Guide in a Hide

Saturday 7th March 10.00 AM – 3.00 PM

The team is ready to show you the birds of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

We’ll be outside the Discovery Centre and inside Gooders Hide which is just a bit further up the path towards the river mouth. 

We’ll have binoculars and telescopes for you to use. You can try your hand at seeing birds close up and find out how to recognise the different bird species.

Suitable for all.

400m walk towards the sea from  Rye Harbour car park, TN31 7TY

The event is FREE and no booking is necessary.

This event is weather dependent so please check close to the date, before travelling, in case of cancellation.

giah

21 February – Guide on a Train

Saturday 21st February – 10.20am & 1.10pm

February Half Term Fun!

If you’re stuck for ideas this Half Term, why not take a ride on a beautiful heritage train between Tenterden and Bodiam?

On Saturday 14th, Tuesday 17th, and Saturday 21st, some of the Guide in a Hide team will be on-board the 10.20am and 13.10pm trains from Tenterden, armed with binoculars to show you the wetland birds. Pens and spotter sheets will also be provided. 

If that isn’t exciting enough.. wait for it…..the kids go FREE! 

Have a fantastic time and don’t forget to report back to us with your sightings!