A large coastal reserve with vegetated shingle, saltmarsh and reedbed

Location

Size

465 hectares

Further information

Rye Harbour nature reserve website

Species Recording Form

Nearest cycle networks to this nature reserve

Nearby SWT reserves

Flatropers Wood

One of the most important conservation sites on the Sussex coast, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a candidate Ramsar site that takes account of its importance as a wetland on an international scale. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a partnership led by Sussex Wildlife Trust and including the Environment Agency, the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and private landowners. The site management is undertaken by SWT staff and a dedicated team of volunteers from the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

What you can see

Great birdwatching at any time of year, with frequent rarities. Scarce saltmarsh and shingle plants. Almost 100 species of rare and endangered invertebrates.

The site is quite flat with some wheelchair access to all five of the bird watching hides and many paths suitable for rugged wheelchairs and some paths along a private tarmac road. The reserve is large with options for circular routes from three to nine kilometres.

The visitor centre at Lime Kiln Cottage is manned by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and is open most days between 10:00 and 16:00. Rye Harbour village has a large car park, two pubs, a shop, a café and a gallery and tea room. For further information please call 01797 227784 for further information or visit Rye Harbour nature reserve website

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