The Beach Reserve at Rye Harbour
By David Beer
Eastbourne Local Members Group
Fourteen hardy souls met in the car park at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve eagerly anticipating our guided walk with Barry Yates. A biting northerly wind kept us moving and we were grateful for the shelter of the hides. As we walked along the footpath on the raised bank Barry pointed out a Spoonbill, two Marsh Harriers and then for many the star bird of the morning a fabulous Merlin. We were captivated by its aerial acrobatics as it pursued Meadow Pipits.
Barry explained the complex management of the reserve that is required to maintain its impressive biodiversity. By the end of our walk the group had seen or heard 42 different avian species and we finished at the wonderful Discovery Centre with a very welcome hot coffee and a piece of home made cake.
All of us wish Barry a very happy retirement and thank him for all his vision and energy in developing the area into a fabulous wildlife reserve.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve website