Sat 25 May 2013 @ 00:01

RX Wildlife Festival

The 9th annual wildlife festival will be taking place during the half term week with wildlife-themed activities in the RX area – from Hastings to Dungeness. With a marine roadshow, afternoon tea walk, minibeast hunt, landrover safari and much more, there should be something for everyone.
For further details see www.RXwildlife.info

Sat 25 May 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 25 May 2013 @ 10:30

Coastal Plants at Rye Harbour

Find out how the nature reserve’s shingle plants cope with their dry, windy and salty environment.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 10:30 – 12:30. Donations appreciated.

Mon 27 May 2013 @ 14:00

Creepy Crawlies

Join the warden, Chris, on a hunt for spiders, bugs, beetles and other minibeasts hiding from view. Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre. Charge: £2 per child.

Tue 28 May 2013 @ 14:00

Childrens Birdwatching

There should be thousands of birds to see on our main breeding pools and we will be looking out for their chicks too!
Suitable for accompanied children aged over 5.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park. Charge: £3 per child.

Fri 31 May 2013 @ 10:00

Shrimping at Rye Harbour

Search the shallow sea for shrimps, crabs and flatfish.
Please wear footwear and clothing suitable for paddling/wading in the sea.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre. Charge: £2 per child.

Sat 01 June 2013 @ 10:00

An Introduction to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - 2

The second in our series of introductory walks will take us through Castle Farm, past Camber Castle to visit the birdwatching hide at Castle Water. Approximately 2.5 miles.
Meet at Brede Lock, 10:00 – 12:00. Donations appreciated.

Sun 09 June 2013 @ 16:00

Breeding Birds - successful or not?

Come down to the reserve to see how the breeding terns, gulls and waders are doing this year in their struggle to raise chicks. Approx 2.5 miles.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 4 – 6.30pm. Donations appreciated.

Sun 23 June 2013 @ 10:00

Trapping Sharks, Tigers and Elephants!

Find out more about the amazing variety of moths that visit the reserve when the warden opens up the moth trap to reveal last night’s catch.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, wheelchair accessible. Donations appreciated.

Sat 29 June 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 06 July 2013 @ 10:00

An Introduction to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - 3

In this third and final walk in the series we will investigate the most westerly part of the nature reserve with a walk starting and ending at Winchelsea Beach. Approximately 3 mile walk.
Meet at the public toilets on Dogs Hill Road, 10:00 – 12:00. Donations appreciated.

Sun 07 July 2013 @ 14:00

On the Wing

Take a closer look at dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies on this 2.5 mile circular walk.
Meet at Brede Lock, 2 – 4pm. Donations appreciated.

Sun 14 July 2013 @ 10:30

Four Special Flowers

Take a closer look at the reserve’s plants, finding rarities like Marsh Helleborine, Least Lettuce, Stinking Hawks-beard and Sea Heath, but also looking at the more common flowers.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 10:30 – 12:30. Donations appreciated.

Sun 21 July 2013 @ 14:00

Oodles of Attercops

Attercop is an old English name for spider. Find out more about our eight-legged friends, learn how they create their webs, and perhaps find a few to look at too!
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, 2 – 3.30pm. Donations appreciated.

Sat 27 July 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sun 28 July 2013 @ 10:00

Beginners Birdwatching

Learn how to identify a variety of resident and migrant birds on our 2 mile circular walk. Binoculars and field guides available to use on the day.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 10:00 – 12:00. Donations appreciated.

Wed 31 July 2013 @ 10:00

Moths for all Ages

Bring the family to learn about the moths that fly around the reserve at night and look at the moths we caught in our moth trap last night.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, wheelchair accessible. Donations appreciated.

Wed 07 August 2013 @ 13:30

Minibeasts

Bring the family to hunt for minibeasts hiding from view. Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, 1:30 – 3pm. Charge: £2 per child.

Sun 11 August 2013 @ 10:00

Caught in a Trap!

A final chance to inspect the Rye Harbour moth trap. What will have flown in last night…?
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre. Donations appreciated.

Mon 12 August 2013 @ 14:00

Brilliant Birds

Come along and learn all about the birds that live here in the summer with a 2 mile walk around some of our bird hides. Binoculars can be provided. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5 and over. Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 2 – 4pm. Charge: £3 per child.

Tue 13 August 2013 @ 10:30

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Come and explore the saltmarsh looking for minibeasts and crabs hiding in the mud. Wellies and old clothes advisable! Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk. Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, 10:30 – 12:00. Charge: £2 per child.

Wed 14 August 2013 @ 10:00

Shrimping and Rockpooling at Pett Level

Investigate the shallow water and rockpools at low tide. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for paddling/wading in the sea.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at eastern entrance to Pett Level village (by white gates & 30mph signs), 10 – 11.30am. Charge: £2 per child.

Thu 15 August 2013 @ 10:00

Pond Dipping at Castle Water

A walk through the nature reserve to Castle Water to find what wildlife lurks among the reeds. Children must be able to walk one mile each way to get to Castle Water from Brede Lock.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk. Meet at Brede Lock, 10:00 – 12:00. Charge: £2 per child.

Mon 19 August 2013 @ 10:00

Crafty Creations

Drop in to the information centre and have a go at some wildlife-themed arts & crafts.
Drop in to Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre between 10am and 1pm. Donations appreciated.

Tue 20 August 2013 @ 14:30

Strandline Secrets

Come down to the beach and explore the strandline looking for different shells, mermaid’s purses and other treasures washed up on the beach. Bring a bucket for your finds.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, 14:30 – 16:00. Donations
appreciated.

Wed 21 August 2013 @ 14:30

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Explore the saltmarsh looking for crabs and minibeasts hiding in the mud. Wellies and old clothes advisable!
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, 14:30 – 16:00. Charge: £2 per child.

Fri 23 August 2013 @ 10:00

Treasure Trail

Follow a map and clues to complete the trail and win a prize.
Drop in to Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre between 10:00 – 13:00 to pick up your clues.
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Charge: £2 per trail sheet.

Sun 25 August 2013 @ 14:00

History of Camber Castle

The castle will be open for a guided tour at 2pm.
Meet at Camber Castle which can be accessed across fields from Rye or Winchelsea Beach (no vehicular access)
Usual castle entry fees apply: £3 adults, £1.50 concessions, accompanied children free.

Sun 25 August 2013 @ 15:00

Pond Dipping at Castle Water

Explore the underwater world of Castle Water using our nets and guides.
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet at Camber Castle which can be accessed across fields from Rye or Winchelsea Beach (no vehicular access), 15:00 – 16:00. No booking necessary, donations appreciated.

Tue 27 August 2013 @ 10:00

Shrimping at Rye Harbour

Explore the shallow sea at low tide, looking for shrimps, crabs and flatfish. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for paddling/wading in the sea.
Suitable for accompanied children aged over 5.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre.
Charge: £2 per child.

Wed 28 August 2013 @ 18:30

Birds, Bugs and Bats (2 miles)

An evening stroll around the Beach Reserve followed by a closer look at some nocturnal creatures. Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 18:30 – dusk. Donations appreciated.

Thu 29 August 2013 @ 10:00

Pond Dipping at Castle Water

A one mile walk through the nature reserve to Castle Water to find out more about the wildlife lurking among the reeds.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Brede Lock, 10:00 – 12:00.
Charge: £2 per child.

Sat 31 August 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 07 September 2013 @ 09:00

Autumn Migration on the Beach Reserve (3 miles)

There should be movements of seabirds, coasting passerines, waders refuelling on the pools and perhaps some raptors. Meet at Rye Harbour car park, 9:00 – 12:00. Donations appreciated.

Sun 15 September 2013 @ 10:00

Camber Castle Wildlife and History

A chance to go inside Camber Castle and visit the birdwatching hide at Castle Water to see some wetland birds. Meet at Brede Lock for this 2.5 mile walk. 10:00 – 13:00. Donations appreciated.

Sat 28 September 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 12 October 2013 @ 09:00

Autumn Migration Watch (3 miles)

Join the warden in a search for warblers in the bushes, waders on the islands and wagtails overhead. Meet at Brede Lock. 9:00 – 12:00. Donations appreciated.

Sat 19 October 2013 @ 13:00

Camber Castle Exploration (2 miles)

Explore the Castle, the birdwatching hide and the Castle Water wetland for early winter wildlife. Meet at Brede Lock. 1 – 4pm. Donations appreciated.

Sat 26 October 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 26 October 2013 @ 19:30

Winter Lecture: Fungi in Sussex

An illustrated talk by Martin Allison on some of our commoner fungi and their ecology. Organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Meet at Winchelsea Beach Community Hall. Open to all, donations appreciated.

Tue 29 October 2013 @ 10:00

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Childrens event: Explore the saltmarsh looking for crabs and minibeasts hiding in the mud. Wellies advisable!
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre. 10 – 11:30am.
Charge £2 per child.

Wed 30 October 2013 @ 10:00

Brilliant Birds (2 miles)

Childrens event: Come along and learn all about the birds that live here in the autumn with a walk around some of our bird hides. Binoculars can be provided. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5 and over.
Booking essential click here or email rhnroffice@sussexwt.org.uk.
Meet at Rye Harbour car park 10:00 – 12:00.
Charge £3 per child.

Sat 16 November 2013 @ 10:00

The Rother Ramble (3 miles)

Meet in Rye for a stroll along the River Rother to Camber, buy lunch in the pub or bring a packed lunch then get the bus back to Rye.
Meet at Rye Heritage Centre. 10am – 1pm. Donations appreciated.

Sat 16 November 2013 @ 19:30

Winter Lecture: Along the River

Melvin Smith show us some of his best photos of wildlife near his home in Wittersham. Organised by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Meet at Winchelsea Beach Community Hall. Open to all, donations appreciated.

Sun 17 November 2013 @ 10:30

Winter Birds at the Beach Reserve (3 miles)

A chance to get to grips with a good variety of winter visitors: wildfowl, waders, finches and raptors. Meet at Rye Harbour car park. 10.30am – 1pm. Donations appreciated.

Sat 30 November 2013 @ 10:00

Wild Woodland Weekend Club

A club for outdoor explorers aged 6-11 in a private woodland in Beckley. Led by Lucy from Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Sarah from Swallowtail Hill Farm, who are both qualified Forest School leaders.

The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of every month; activities include den building, campfire cooking, woodland crafts and games.

Places are limited so booking is essential on sarah@swallowtailhill.com or 0845 337 2948.

Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm
10am – 1pm, £10 per child.

Sat 07 December 2013 @ 10:00

Festive Beach Clean

A pre-Christmas clean-up of rubbish washed up along the beach by the autumn’s storms, plus the chance to see many wintering birds. Your efforts will be rewarded with hot soup at Lime Kiln Cottage afterwards. Bring work gloves if you have them. Meet at Rye Harbour car park. 10am – 1pm