The Friends
[ Download a Membership form ]
The FRIENDS (registered charity no. 269535) was founded in 1973 to raise money in order to improve and enlarge the Nature Reserve and to do so by encouraging interest in the conservation of wildlife and scenic beauty within the area. We now have more than 1800 members who make a big difference to the reserve by providing funds, but many members also give of their time as volunteers.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve protects a rich and varied fauna and flora among the shingle ridges, salt and grazing marshes, gravel pits and lagoons at the mouth of the River Rother. You are welcome to visit at all times free of charge.
The Chairman of the Friends, John Gooders (left), describes the reserve... A "Safe Haven" for many years, Rye Harbour has been a nesting place for birds such as Common, Sandwich and Little Terns as well as Ringed Plover and Redshank and is a noted "stop-over" for other shorebirds, many of which can be seen to advantage from the hides at the Ternery and Wader Pools and at Castle Water.
Conservation work at Rye Harbour includes creating islands, cutting invasive willows, grazing grassland, building fences and creating new habitats such as shallow margins around the old gravel pits. Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve contribute to the work of the Reserve in a variety of ways. It runs the Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre, created the Wader Pool near the River, made a major contribution to the purchase of Castle Water by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, part-funds the Nature Reserve wardening, has constructed four bird watching hides (all now with wheelchair access).
The Constitution of the Friends can be read by clicking here.
Donations
If you would like to give a donation to the nature reserve please make cheque payable to The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and send to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, East Sussex, TN36 4LU.
Bequests and Memorials
The Friends have been supported by many people and some are remembered in the names of the birdwatching hides and seats. Some have left bequests to the Friends and this has enabled many projects to be funded. We remember these people in our Bequests and Memorial list.
Volunteers
The nature reserve depends on a big team of volunteers for the success that we have achieved. Contact Us if you would like to help. For more detail click here.
Members are kept up to date with the Nature Reserve's progress with a regular Newsletter (left) which also gives details of guided walks, lectures and other events.
Guided Walks, led by the wardens, are detailed on this website - click here . You do not have to be a birdwatcher or a botanist to understand and enjoy the Nature Reserve in their company.
PLEASE JOIN THE FRIENDS - and then you will be doing something to conserve these important wildlife habitats and the unique character of the area. It will also give you the opportunity to learn more about it and participate in its success.
Membership for a year is a minimum of £5, send to:
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, East Sussex, TN36 4LU.