Past Events

Talk 13 Apr 2024

Pett Level – Then and Now by Keith Swallow

Members of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve were privy to a very informative and enjoyable talk by the author Keith Swallow today.

Keith initially developed a love of Romney Marsh and the surrounding area as a child, whilst visiting his Grandparents, and has gone on to live in the area. He has a passion for researching local history and has written several books.

The talk brought many aspects of Pett Level back to life. Keith took us back in time to the Pett Level of the Napoleonic wars with its eight Martello towers situated between Winchelsea Beach and Cliff End and the downfall of these structures; the importance to local life of the Ship Inn (then situated at the heart of Pett Level village, which was where the shingle is now, opposite Pett Pools); the contentious undertakings of the local landowners, and much, much more.

All in all, an excellent talk, enjoyed by a packed audience.

Past Events

Talk 11 Nov 2023

Paul Nash and Rye by Jim Northover

Paul Nash – The Rye Marshes, East Sussex (oil on canvas)

Jim Northover came to talk to us about the artist Paul Nash and his association with the Rye area. Paul Nash, who was also well known as a war artist, writer and photographer lived in Rye for a relatively short period 1930-32, however, Rye and the surrounding area heavily influenced his work.

Jim who has a background as a designer, has been fascinated by Paul Nash and has gone to great lengths to research this topic. He gave us an excellent talk which was very well received by the audience and this excerpt from an email afterwards sums up the talk very nicely.

“I’ve never understood Paul Nash’s work and his relevance to our local landscape but the speaker brought his paintings to life in a most remarkable way. This was a brilliant afternoon.”

Past Events

Talk 14 Oct 2023

Gardening for Insects by Chris Bentley

During the afternoon of ‘Friends’ day on Saturday 14th October, former warden Chris Bentley gave an excellent talk in the Discovery Centre on ‘Gardening for Insects’ to members of The Friends.

Chris is well known both locally and nationally for his passion and expertise relating to insects. Both of these aspects came through in his talk which was very well received by the audience.

His comprehensive talk included facts about the staggering numbers of insects that can be found in gardens, including common insects that we all may be able to identify – perhaps with a little help from technology! He also talked about what insects need and gave suggestions for lots of insect friendly plants and landscape features that can benefit insects.

The importance of insects cannot be underestimated and potentially catastrophic, recent declines are well known and publicised. The BTO suggest that the gardens of the UK make up an area approximately the size of Suffolk, therefore what we do in our gardens is important.

Chris’s talk provided lots of inspiration and as Tesco says ’Every little helps!’

Past Events

Talk 08 Jul 2023

We had another excellent talk on the afternoon of Saturday 8th July. This time from Michael Howard who is a Ranger for the National Trust and came to speak to the Friends of Rye Harbour about Winchelsea Wildlife.

Michael has worked for the National Trust in Winchelsea for 6 years and along with another member of staff and six volunteers is responsible for caring for, monitoring and enhancing the nature value of 1,100 acres of varied habitat in and around Winchelsea.

His very interesting and informative talk focused on the amazing variety of birds, mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, and bees to be found on this National Trust land and the huge task involved in working to make the area even better for wildlife and people. Michael’s stunning photography gave us an insight into the identification, and also the challenges of accurate identification, for monitoring the rare bees and dragonflies that are to be found in the area. His fantastic trailcam footage showed us aspects of wildlife and behaviour that largely go unnoticed. He has set-up several community projects, such as moth trapping in Winchelsea, a Winchelsea wildlife group, and with his group of volunteers, is involved in making and erecting various bird boxes to help with Barn Owl and Swift conservation in the local area.

Thank you to Michael for a wonderful talk and we wish him well with his future plans for the area.