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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)
CLOSED Friday 26th June due to extreme heat 
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


Meet photographer: WildingPix

Meet photographer: WildingPix

We spoke to regular visitor Kim AKA WildingPix, who discovered wildlife photography as a way to start healing from an incredibly challenging situation. Read about Kim’s photography journey.

 
Where to see orchids in Sussex

Where to see orchids in Sussex

There are about 56 species of orchid native to the UK and 23 of those can be found across Sussex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves. These are some of the best reserves to visit in search of beautiful and elusive wild...

 
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Sightings May 2026

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Sightings May 2026

Sussex Wildlife Trust volunteer David Bentley sums up wildlife sightings at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve in May 2026

 
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.

 

Forthcoming Events


Castle Water Wildlife Walk at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (420337035)

30 June 2026
14:30

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

02 July 2026
13:00

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

03 July 2026
13:00

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Creative Handstitching Workshop: The Shape of Birds, Rye Harbour(420337035)

05 July 2026
10:30

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Discover the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Rye Harbour (420337035)

07 July 2026
14:00

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NeuroWalk & Talk with Puzzle Tree Academy at Rye Harbour (09.07.26)

09 July 2026
10:30

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

09 July 2026
13:00

Find out more »

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

10 July 2026
13:00

Find out more »

Art Workshop: Inspired by Nature with Cy Baker, Rye Harbour (420337035)

15 July 2026
10:30

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Home Education: Art Workshop 'Inspired by Nature' at Rye Harbour(420337035)

16 July 2026
10:30

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Orchids and Marbled Whites at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (420337035)

17 July 2026
14:00

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Young Artists Workshop: 'Inspired by Nature' at Rye Harbour (420337035)

18 July 2026
14:00

Find out more »

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