Talk: Etta Lemon, The Woman Who Saved the Birds by Social Historian, Tessa Boase (21/09/25)

💮 Rye Arts Festival Event 💮

When Hastings-based Social Historian Tessa Boase told the RSPB she wanted to write their early story, they refused to let her visit their archives. To a former investigative journalist, this was an irresistible challenge. Her book brings to life the Victorian plumage trade and the brave eco-feminists who fought back on behalf of the birds. Their leader was Hythe-born Etta Lemon, the 'Margaret Thatcher' of the birding world. 

How did this remarkable character hone her campaigning skills, and why was she stabbed in the back by the men who took over the RSPB? Come and find out at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre!

Tessa is a Social Historian, Journalist, Author and Campaigner, she has featured on BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour' and Channel 5's 'History of Britain' and 'Secrets of the National Trust'. See her website.

Tickets: £12 available from Rye Arts Festival website.

Location: Rye Harbour Discovery Centre, Rye Harbour, TN31 7FW, see our website for how to find us. The Centre sits within the nature reserve and houses a gift shop, public toilets and café open from 9.30am to 4.15pm, serving refreshments and light lunches.

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

Parking: The main Car Park at Harbour Road, Rye Harbour, TN31 7TT, run by Icklesham Parish Council, is about a 7 minute walk from the Discovery Centre. There is no ticket machine, but donations are welcomed in the box or via the QR code.

Accessibility: Rye Harbour Discovery Centre is a wheelchair-friendly venue, with a step-free entrance ramp and two wheelchair accessible toilets.

Dogs: Please note that although we welcome well-behaved dogs to the café, they are not generally permitted on our events (except assistance dogs).