Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

About

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an important wildlife site that is the size of 600 football pitches. It is set in an exceptional coastal and wetland landscape and is home to more than 4,355 species of plants and animals including 300 that are rare or endangered.

Come and visit our mosaic of shingle beaches, saline lagoons, saltmarsh, grassland, scrub, gravel pits and reedbeds. Our flowers are at their best from late May to July, but our birdlife is varied all year round and changes each month. We have information boards posted all around the reserve, which show you what you can see. Click on the provided QR codes to listen to birdsong, see a wildlife video, or find out more about our local history. A network of footpaths throughout the nature reserve gives easy access to many seats and five birdwatching hides - four of which are wheelchair accessible.

There are 10 self-guided trail maps which you can pick up from the Discovery Centre reception. So, whether you are a family with children to entertain, or you are hoping to spot some of the rarer birds or flowers in the reserve, there is something for everyone.

The Discovery Centre offers room hire and catering for corporate or private events. You can find out more on our website.

Sussex Wildlife Trust has been pleased to welcome many visitors to our flagship visitor centre, the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, since it opened in May 2021.

The Discovery Centre is open daily from 10am - 4pm and it offers an accessible hub for Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Facilities include the glorious Lime Kiln Café, which serves great coffees, tees, homemade cakes and lunches. It promotes the best of local produce and offers the most fantastic views across the nature reserve. 
We have a well-stocked gift shop and accessible toilets. Come and learn about the diversity of wildlife through our information boards, photos, videos, and touchscreen displays. You can learn about the kind of wildlife you can find on the reserve, as well as the history of the area, military and geographical. We have excellent education facilities and put on a range of events for adults, children and families, throughout the year.

Talk to our staff and volunteers who are on hand to welcome visitors and help everyone visiting Rye Harbour engage with the special wildlife on the reserve. 

We have an outdoor seating area, bicycle racks, and dogs are welcome.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is great to visit all year round, whatever the weather. Please bring sensible clothing as it can be a very windy location.

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