Dogs

New dog policy at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

When visiting Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Sussex Wildlife Trust is asking all dog owners to please keep their dogs on a lead between the reserve entrance at Rye Harbour village and the end of the path by the river mouth.

The reserve is a very special place and is becoming increasingly popular with visitors, eager to explore this unique coastal landscape. However, there are risks to dogs who are off the lead on this stretch of the reserve, due to strong tides and proximity to the River Rother. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 and ask for the coastguard. Please do not risk your own life by attempting to rescue a dog that has fallen into the river.

This new request to keep dogs on leads in this area of the reserve, is also to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all our visitors, which include dog walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and families with young children.

The dog policy remains unchanged across the rest of the nature reserve:

• Keep your dog under close control
• Make sure your dog is on a lead around grazing livestock
• Use the bins provided to dispose of any mess

The safety of our visitors is paramount, and in case of an emergency, including those on the coast, we ask that you immediately call 999 and ask for either the police, fire, ambulance, coastguard or lifeboat service as appropriate.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Dogs at the Discovery Centre

• We welcome clean, well-behaved dogs and just ask that they are kept on a short lead.
• While lots of us are dog lovers, some visitors might not be as keen or feel uncomfortable near them. If this is the case, a member of staff may ask you to move seats.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in all areas of the centre; however, we ask that all other dogs refrain from entering the classroom or spaces where an event is taking place.
• Is your dog thirsty? Don’t worry. We provide fresh drinking water at the entrance ramp to the Discovery Centre and in the picnic area outside.
• We ask that dog owners clean up after their dog and use the bins provided. In the unfortunate event that this happens in the Discovery Centre, we can provide poo bags and a mop and bucket!
• Just so you know, if your dog causes any damage in the Discovery Centre, we reserve the right to charge you.
• Likewise, if your dog is causing a nuisance or is felt to be a risk to other visitors, we may have to ask you to leave the building.

We hope that you and your dog enjoy your visit.