October is always an exciting month of new arrivals here at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, especially the incoming migrating birds. But this year we’re also celebrating a very different new arrival - the fantastic Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 2023 Calendar. Now for sale at the Discovery Centre and in the Sussex Wildlife Trust online shop, this special calendar features photographs taken by Nature Reserve Manager, Barry Yates.
As this is the very first calendar specific to the reserve and also Barry’s first in-print calendar, we were keen to chat to Barry and find out more about the calendar’s backstory.
How did the calendar come about?
We wanted to showcase the nature reserve’s year-round interest and give details about the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Did you get to match each photo with the month of the year?
Yes, highlighting the changing seasons was an important role of the calendar.
The care taken in doing so has resulted in a calendar full of beautiful photos - do you have a particular favourite?
This is so difficult, but the November sunrise was one of those fleeting moments when the orange sky was reflected in a calm sea.
Do you have a favourite season and month of the year? How do you feel the photo for that month in the calendar reflects that?
Spring has to be the best time of year, when wildlife is stirring – like the March Small Tortoiseshell on a willow flower, or it’s returning – like the April Sedge Warbler from Africa.
After decades as the reserve manager, you have an extensive photo library. How did you choose which photographs to include?
I selected views of the wildlife or weather that people might not see themselves and by thinking: could I look at this photo for a whole month!
With that in mind, what would you like people to know or think when they look at the calendar?
I’d like them to know that Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a special place for wildlife and for visitors to enjoy in all seasons.
What does this calendar mean to you, personally?
It was a challenge to pick just 13 images to represent the reserve. I hope it will encourage people to observe wildlife more closely and perhaps try and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Anything you want to say to anyone thinking of buying this special edition calendar?
We hope you enjoy our 2023 calendar and get to experience many close encounters with wildlife during the year, wherever you are.
As well as its front cover image, the calendar features 12 full colour photographs of some of the most beautiful examples of wildlife and landscapes found at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. It also includes reminders of key UK dates. Purchasing this calendar helps to provide rich habitats and protect wildlife at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and other nature reserves in Sussex.
Available to purchase for £6.99 at our Discovery Centre or online at the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.
This post is also available on Sussex Wildlife Trust website
