School Visits
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is an internationally important wildlife site designated as a Special Protection area and Special Area of Conservation by the European Union as part of their Natura 2000 network. It also has the national designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve.
Over hundreds of years the sea has deposited numerous great ridges of shingle at Rye Harbour. This has produced the unique landscape which can be seen on a visit to the Nature Reserve. As the shingle has built up, the shoreline has changed and man’s activities have created many different habitats. The former position of the sea can be dated with reference to the historic military defences on the Nature Reserve.
There are two main areas of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve:
- The Beach Reserve – dominated by newly formed shingle ridges, which are home to many specialised plants, birds and insects including the Little Tern. There are 3 bird watching hides and our small visitor centre, Lime Kiln Cottage.
- Camber Castle – built for Henry VIII, sits on 500 year old shingle ridges that are covered by a flower-rich grassland. Between the beach and the Castle are a series of gravel pits formed by shingle extraction which provide important areas for birds and other animals including Water Vole and Medicinal Leech. Near the castle is a bird watching hide and areas suitable for pond-dipping.
Visitors are welcome to visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve at any time, however groups of more than 10 people should book with the Nature Reserve office before coming. There are four bird watching hides (all with some wheelchair access) open to the public and Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre is open on most days 10−4pm.
You are encouraged to book a pre-visit to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with a member of staff.
We can also help with running educational visits, depending on demand.
Programmes of study
There are many subjects which can be studied on the Nature Reserve including; Science, Geography, History, Art, English and Mathematics.
Visits are appropriate for Key stages 1−4 and A-level visits.
There is a Rye Harbour Activities CD available for Key Stage 2.
Please contact Nature Reserve staff for a CD and for details of possible study topics – Camber Castle, Changes in Coastline, Pond Dipping, Scavenger Hunt, Monster Building, Watching Wildlife, Special Habitats, Conservation Management, Animal and Plant Adaptations.
Cost
Self-guided group visits are free.
Visits involving a member of the Nature Reserve staff cost £2 per student, however educational visits just to Camber Castle are free.
Wet weather facilities
There are very limited wet weather facilities at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
It poor weather groups can shelter in the largest birdwatching hide, or the World War II blockhouses.
We can arrange for coach access to the shore and castle.
Toilets
There are no toilet facilities on the Nature Reserve (except in emergencies), however public toilets can be found in Rye Harbour village, near to the car park.
Food
Visitors should bring food and drink appropriate to the length of the visit and the season.
There are no consumables for sale at the Nature Reserve, but there is a village shop and a café.
Equipment
We can provide worksheets, clipboards, flip chart, pond nets and a limited number of binoculars.
Please make sure that each pupil brings a pencil.
Clothing
It is important that all visitors bring suitable clothing with them.
Windproof and waterproof coats and also sturdy shoes are appropriate all year round.
In summer, hats and sunscreen are also necessary.
In winter, warm clothes will make a visit to the exposed beach much more comfortable.
Health and Safety
Children must remain under teachers’ control at all times and teachers remain responsible for the children during a visit.
Teachers are also responsible for all First Aid arrangements and must carry the necessary First Aid Kits and a mobile telephone.
We require a ratio of one adult to ten or fewer children (not including any Nature Reserve helpers).
Visiting schools must have public liability insurance to cover their own potential liabilities.
A Risk Assessment is available before your visit.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has insurance, covering its potential liabilities.
How to get here
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is situated three miles south of Rye, East Sussex.
The main entrance to the Nature Reserve is in the village of Rye Harbour near the public car park and Martello Tower.
High vehicles such as coaches can not enter the car park and will need to find other local parking.
Please contact us for more details.
The Nature Reserve can also be accessed from Brede Lock near Rye (for Camber Castle) or the village of Winchelsea Beach
Further information
Much more information and resources can be found on our mulimedia page.
Please encourage staff, helpers and pupils to explore it before their visit.
Contact details
Miriam Bowley (Wetland Discovery Officer)
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Lime Kiln Cottage
Rye Harbour
East Sussex
TN31 7TT
(01797) 227784
e-mail: ryehbr@onetel.net