Award Winning Discovery Centre

We are delighted to announce that the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre has won the Public & Community Award at the Sussex Heritage Awards 2022.

The state-of-the-art visitor centre with stunning views across Rye Harbour Nature Reserve was open to the public in the summer of 2021. The Discovery Centre has been a hit with visitors keen to find out about the nature reserve, as well as to enjoy the wonderful cakes from Lime Kiln Cafe. It boasts a well-equipped educational centre where people of all ages can learn about the special wildlife on the reserve.

The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards judges’ said:

“The judges were impressed by the way the building melded into the landscape. The counterpart of glass and walled sections opened up the wonderful views across the marshes. This is a great low-tech solution to heating and ventilation and maximises renewable energy.”

The Public & Community Award was presented by Lord Egremont to Tor Lawrence, Sussex Wildlife Trust CEO and Cliff Dean, Chair of The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

The Rye Harbour Discovery Centre has been built thanks to a partnership between Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It was designed by Simpson & Brown and built by Baxall Construction.