Celebrating the female of the species

Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

This International Women's Day, we hear from five women about their special connection with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the impact it has had on the person they are today.   

Carolyn Gould - Founder & author of Walking for Wellbeing

As I step onto Rye Harbour Nature Reserve I instantly feel calm and have a smile on my face. The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other in such a beautiful sensory environment has been a huge comfort to me whilst navigating widowhood.

The nature reserve has provided me space, time to focus on what's right in front of me, taking me away from my grief for just a while, along with the beautiful sights, and sounds surrounding me, it has brought me great comfort. Walking in nature is so powerful and nurturing if you allow it in, I am very grateful to have such a beautiful place locally to walk enhancing my wellbeing. I love photography and the reserve provides ample opportunity to capture moments in time.

Sara Humphrey - Nature photographer & Naturalist

Rye Harbour has always been one of my go-to spots for wildlife photography. I now travel all over the UK to film and photograph wildlife but I’ve spent a lot of time practicing and honing my wildlife fieldcraft skills at the reserve. I love lying on the open fields around Castle Water watching Wheatear or Weasels skittering over the grass, or being sat on the shore and letting the Ringed Plover and Sanderling weave their way towards me as they feed. It's one of those places that attracts so many different species all year round, so there's always something exciting to focus on.

It's a great place to get started out on a wildlife watching journey too, as there are so many staff and volunteers happy to share sightings and advice. There's a lovely community of local birdwatchers who will often help you spot the wildlife you might otherwise miss from the hides too.

Esther Springett - artist & filmmaker

I’ve been a big fan of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve ever since I moved to Hastings in 2015. It’s one of my favourite places on the planet. A sunny day with a gentle breeze, the light hitting the water and the reeds swaying is divine. Equally, on a windy, battened-down-the-hatches kind of day, it’s lovely to cosy up in the café. I have a spot in the café where I like to go to sketch and paint. I find the landscape so calming. A couple of years ago, I had some pretty challenging surgery and the nature reserve was one of the first places I made it outside for. I found it really healing to be surrounded by such a vast expanse of nature, and I still do today.

As a live illustrator, filmmaker and mother, life can be fast-paced, with busy periods of intense activity. I like to come here for some grounding time, to quiet the chatter and reconnect with nature. The team are so friendly, and as a woman out in nature solo, I think it’s really important to feel safe.

Kt Bruce - Photographer, Videographer & writer for Rye News

I am supposed to be retired but I don’t think my DNA will allow me to be so. I love what I do, meeting wonderful people and covering local events. We have a YouTube channel called Showcasing Rye. Living by the sea is to me the most wonderful opportunity to be at one with nature. You can’t feel sad by the sea as it uplifts your soul. I find that nature in all its moods and seasons has something special to offer. No two days are the same and just sitting watching the clouds and the birds to me is bliss.

Mima Bone (left in photo)

I've visited Rye Harbour Nature Reserve so many times over the years, and it has always been spectacular. In every kind of weather, arriving at the reserve is a joy. Walking with friends on New Year's day, taking part in educational activities with my son, picnics, art installations or night time sponsored walks, we have been so lucky to have many great experiences as a family here. I'm still learning about the different native plants growing around the reserve and about the birds we spot in the hides. I'm sure I'll be visiting for years to come.

You can find out more about International Women's Day 2025 here.