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Rye Harbour Nature Reserve © Stuart Conway

Welcome to

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Stuart Conway
Discover our wildlife in a mosaic of coastal habitats

Discover our wildlife in a mosaic of coastal habitats


You can discover our amazing wildlife all day, every day of the year, along many miles of path, with five birdwatching hides accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Explore the changing coastline and military history, or simply enjoy a walk beside the sea.

Opening Times

Location Opening Hours Admission
Discovery Centre 9.30am – 4.30pm (Café closes at 4.15pm) Free Admission*
Nature Reserve Open all hours Free Admission*
Car Parking** 6:30am – 9:00pm Donations Only

*Sussex Wildlife Trust offers free admission to everyone because of generous support from members and supporters.
** The car park is run by Icklesham Parish Council

It's nesting season - dogs on short leads

It's nesting season - dogs on short leads


Ringed Plovers and other ground nesting birds are currently breeding on the reserve. Help these vulnerable species by keeping dogs on a short lead in areas marked on the map.

Discovery Centre


Start your wild adventure at the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre

 

Nature Reserve


Explore one of the most spectacular places in Sussex to see wildlife

 

Latest News


Celebrating 5 years since the Discovery Centre opened

Celebrating 5 years since the Discovery Centre opened

Celebrating five years since the Discovery Centre opened its doors.

 
10,000 call for ban on bio-beads

10,000 call for ban on bio-beads

Sussex Wildlife Trust joined Helena Dollimore MP at 10 Downing Street today to deliver a petition calling on water companies to stop using bio-beads in wastewater treatment

 
Respecting the fourth wall: preventing Ringed Plover disturbance

Respecting the fourth wall: preventing Ringed Plover disturbance

The art of deception brings pros and cons for one of our most vulnerable species - luckily, there is a simple act you can do to protect them.

 
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve sightings April 2026

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve sightings April 2026

David Bentley sums up wildlife sightings at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in April 2026

 

Forthcoming Events


Talk at Rye Harbour: The Damselflies & Dragonflies of Sussex (420337035)

07 June 2026
14:00

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Weekly Wellbeing Walk (10/06/2026) - Rye Harbour

10 June 2026
09:45

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Corporate Wild Work Day: Beach Clean and Survey Day at Rye Harbour

11 June 2026
13:00

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Nature Tots at Rye Harbour Nature reserve (420337035)

12 June 2026
10:00

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Corporate Wild Work Day: Beach Clean and Survey Day at Rye Harbour

12 June 2026
13:00

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Summer Wildflower Walk at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (420337035)

14 June 2026
13:30

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Walk with a Ranger at Rye Harbour - Birds, Bees and Butterflies (420337035)

18 June 2026
10:00

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Corporate Wild Work Day: Beach Clean and Survey Day at Rye Harbour

19 June 2026
13:00

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Summer Solstice Seabird & Shingle Wildflower Safari, Rye Harbour(420337035)

19 June 2026
18:00

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Guide in a Hide with the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (20.06.26)

20 June 2026
10:00

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Spring Pie and Mash Evening with a View at Rye Harbour (420337035)

20 June 2026
17:30

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Corporate Wild Work Day: Beach Clean and Survey Day at Rye Harbour

24 June 2026
13:00

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