Past Projects
The Friends arranged a Sound Recording Course, comprising three workshops, experimenting with a variety of commercial and improvised recording devices to capture the natural sounds of the reserve.
See the event report for more details of what went on. It is intended to repeat the course in the future.
Past Projects
The Friends asked Sam Moore of Visual Air to produce three inspirational drone films which show the reserve in a dramatic new way.
See the Reserve page to view the films.
Past Projects
The Friends commissioned two books about the Reserve:
See the Merchandise page for more details and where to buy.
Past Events
Today I had the pleasure of leading 21 Friends of Rye Harbour NR around Flat Beach to watch the newly arrived nesting birds and a couple of stopping migrants.
The number of Sandwich Terns now is slowly increasing to about 85 with 5 newly arrived Common Tern. Passing through on migration were three Bar-Tailed Godwits (2 in breeding plumage) and 2 Wheatear up near the river mouth. It was nice to see plenty of Terns bringing in fish from the Bay. Fingers crossed for a successful breeding year. Other birds of note were two Ruff and two Stonechat.
A great walk which is gaining popularity and remember all Friends are welcome!
James Tomlinson
Past Events
A fabulous start to the morning walk, so still that water perfectly mirrored the blue sky and birdsong rang out so clearly that a Mistle Thrush up at Coastguard Square could be heard right down by Nook Drain and the air over the saltmarsh was full of Skylarks. The calls of returning Avocets can be heard everywhere now everywhere now, while flocks of Dunlin and Ringed Plover are feeding hungrily before continuing their journey northwards. The closeness of the path to the edge of the Salt Pool gave us excellent views of these while three newly-arrived Little Ringed Plovers, scuttling along the edges to in flight allowed us to appreciate the features which distinguish them from Ringed Plovers.
While watching these waders we noticed small insectivorous migrants searching the turf: White Wagtail with a pure, pale grey back, an apricot-fronted Wheatear and a dazzling Yellow Wagtail.
Although some common birds were mysteriously missing, the variety is increasing, so that along this short route we found 56 species.
Past Projects
The Friends provided the seed funding for the first Writer in Residence project. This was led by the award-winning nature poet Jane Lovell who organised monthly meetings to walk the reserve and to write about nature. The pilot project was so successful that the writing group produced an anthology of poetry and artwork, New Ways of Looking, inspired by the reserve. The book is on sale for £15 at the Discovery Centre and has proven so popular that it is already on its second print run.
Past Projects
The Friends bought two new defibrillators for the reserve using funds from the 833 Lottery Club. One is kept in the Discovery Centre, the other is a mobile unit that travels out on volunteer work parties around the reserve.
Past Projects
The Trustees of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the 833 Administration Team decided to close the 833 Lottery Club, with July 13th 2024 as the last draw. The Lottery was set up at the end of 2019 to raise funds for the development and ongoing management of the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. Since that time the building has been finished and its management and activities firmly established.
We thank all the Lottery members for their generous support over almost 5 years.
Past Projects
The Friends have funded or part-funded the five birdwatching hides on the reserve, all of which are wheelchair accessible.
Each hide is dedicated to former volunteers and supporters.
Guy Crittall
Dr Ray Parkes
John Gooders
Dr Ken Halpin
Steve Denny – photo above.
Past Projects
The Friends were left a substantial legacy by the Layton family, who knew and loved the nature reserve. Their interst in the environment and education led the Friends to explore the idea of a proper visitor centre with Sussex Wildlife Trust. The Friends provided the initial £1.5M contribution towards the cost of the Discovery Centre that opened in 2021.
The knowledgeable staff and volunteers on the Information Desk will help you make the most of your visit.
Enjoy hot and cold drinks with tasty snacks in the Lime Kiln Cafe.
Take in the stunning views of the nature reserve through the large, panoramic windows.
Discover more about the nature reserve from the informative wall displays.