An Introduction to Wading Birds – Rye Harbour (05/11/24)

*We have unfortunately had to cancel this event due to unforeseen circumstances*

Leader: James Duncan

During autumn, the wetlands at Rye Harbour nature reserve become a critical hub for birds to refuel and regain condition lost during breeding. Some are trying to escape the frozen north, while others may stop on their way to warmer climates near the equator. This means that many waders can be found here in autumn and winter. But how many can you identify?

Are you perplexed by plovers, stumped by sandpipers, need help untangling your knots and 'shanks?

James Duncan, our expert birder, will guide you through the wader puzzle. We’ll start the day with a 2 hour lecture and refreshments at our Discovery Centre. Then after a break for lunch, we’ll put the theory into practice with a 2 mile circular walk around Rye Harbour to look for waders. Our café will be open all day if you would like to buy lunch here, otherwise please bring a packed lunch with you.

The course is suitable for beginners, as well as improvers, and will include some of the waders that are more tricky to identify. Binoculars are highly recommended.

Location: Meet at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, Rye Harbour, TN31 7FW, see our website for how to find us.

Booking essential: Scroll down for tickets, please click here to read our Course and Event booking and cancellation Terms & Conditions.

Public Transport: The 313 Stagecoach bus travels from Northiam to Rye train station and on to Rye Harbour village.

Accessibility: Our gently-paced walk will start and end at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, a wheelchair-friendly venue, with a step-free entrance ramp. Our toilet facilities include two that are wheelchair accessible, and we will be no more than a mile away from the Discovery Centre facilities on the walk. Most of the route is easy for wheelchairs, and the bird hides are accessible. However a section has some uneven and loose surfaces, making it moderately difficult for manual wheelchairs.

Contact: If you have any queries, email us at [email protected]