Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (home to 300 rare species)
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is in East Sussex, near Camber Sands (never walk on sand dunes, keep to designated paths to protect nesting birds and wildlife) and the historic hilly town of Rye. It’s home to over 4000 species of wildlife, including 300 rare species.
Obviously dogs have to be kept on leads, near coastal wildlife. Read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
The reserve features a moving shingle coastland and a variety of habitats including salt marshes, shingle ridges and woodlands. Along with ‘Norton’s Cabin’, a popular photography subject, a historic cabin on the beach for happy coastal hermits of old!
The nearby town of Rye is very hilly, with winding cobbled lanes, crooked Tudor houses and centuries-old inns. Mermaid Street is lined with sloping cottages, and home to many independent shops.
Nearby is the village of Winchelsea, where comedian Spike Milligan is buried. He has a Celtic inscription on his grave, after being refused his request for it to read ‘I told I was ill!’ Often classed as one of the funniest ever men, he fought a huge battle with depression, and often spoke on men’s mental health.
Also near Rye is Peasmarsh, a tiny village noted for being home to one of England’s few independent supermarkets. It’s not a ‘green grocery’ but does keep money within the community, and also runs several bakeries and cafes throughout the region.
