11 July – Understanding Fossils Talks

11 July – Understanding Fossils

Saturday 11th July 2026 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

In this illustrated talk Ken Brooks will explain how fossils are formed and their importance in reconstructing ancient environments, to the origins of present-day species. In the Hastings area we are fortunate in having a variety of fossilised remains, including plants, fish and dinosaurs and Ken will be sharing his knowledge of these with us.

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 June.
Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.

13 June – Northiam Naturally! Talks

13 June – Northiam Naturally!

Saturday 13th June 2026 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

Local Ecologist Brian Banks is collaborating with Northiam Parish Council on a local nature recovery project. A new nature reserve in Northiam has been established with the aim of better managing Ancient Woodland, creating two new ponds and better managing two existing shaded ponds. Funded by the Newt Partnership, there is the hope Great Crested Newts will colonise. Brian will also be enlightening us about Amphibians and Reptiles found locally.

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 May.
Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.

09 May – Pett Level Rescue Talks

09 May – Pett Level Rescue

Saturday 9th May 2026 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

Steve Hill from Pett Level Rescue will take us through how this independent lifeboat came into being, and what they do in today’s world. Working closely with the local Coastguard and RNLI they have an important place in our community.

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 April.
Please note that dogs (except for guide dogs that have been pre-booked) are not allowed at talks.

11 April – Rye Harbour: More than just Wildlife Talks

11 April – Rye Harbour: More than just Wildlife

“A look back at the story of Rye Harbour”

Saturday 11th April 2026 1.30pm – 3pm at the Discovery Centre.

Roy Brigden, long standing Friend and volunteer of RHNR and part of the History Group at the Discovery Centre, will explore the changing face of the village, its people and surroundings over the past 200 years.

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 March.
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.

26 May – Guide in a Hide giah

26 May – Guide in a Hide

Tuesday 26th 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.