Discover our wildlife in a mosaic of coastal habitats - shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater gravel pits and reedbeds. Explore its changing coastline and military history, or simply enjoy a walk beside the sea.
Following the Government guidelines, the Information Cabin is currently closed. We would ask that people only use a bird hide where it is possible to maintain social distancing and ensure personal hygiene is maintained. Please observe government guidelines and any local signage at all times.
The public toilets, operated by the parish council, remain closed.
More information on Sussex Wildlife Trust’s response to the Coronavirus can be found here
Important access update from June 2002
From June 2020, for a number of weeks, access to the nature reserve, including for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and people with buggies, will be impacted by essential building works. More information here. Please check before travelling.
Thank you for your patience.
Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
Find out more about the plans for Rye Harbour Discovery Centre
Update June 2020 - our contractors have started work building a service trench, which will impact on access to the reserve. Please see here for more information
Explore Rye Harbour
You can enjoy our amazing wildlife all day and every day along many miles of path with five birdwatching hides accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Try visiting us using public transport and perhaps bring a bike to explore the whole reserve and wider area. Rye is only 68 minutes from London and 100 minutes from Brighton by train.
- Please use the local food outlets to support our local businesses.
- Plan a stay in 1066 Country
- Discover other wildlife sites
We were voted Britain’s favourite nature reserve in 2016 in the third annual LandLove Magazine Awards. One of the most important conservation sites in Britain, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds under the EU Birds Directive, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Ramsar site that takes account of its importance as a wetland on an international scale.
USEFUL DOWNLOADS
- Introductory Leaflet with map
- Events and Guided Walks - download our What's On 2019 leaflet
- Coastal Flowers at Rye Harbour
- Common Summer Birds at Rye Harbour Leaflet
- Common Winter Birds at Rye Harbour Leaflet
- For more downloads see out section Publications and Reports.
OUR SALTMARSH FILM
We have produced this short film to show part of the nature reserve on a high tide, with the saltmarsh covered by water and the river full.
The film is best viewed at full screen - use the little [ ] icon bottom right when it starts - and the sound track best appreciated with earphones on.
