Why we love Rye Harbour Nature Reserve!
When we were looking for a house to buy in Fairlight we always had our dogs and our potential doggy daycare and home dog boarding clients in mind. Not only was the house perfectly placed opening onto its own forest from a large secure garden, it was also very close by to some amazing places to visit so we knew that this location and home would be perfect for our dog hotel.
Aerial view of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour Nature reserve in East Sussex is a location that our daycare and home dog boarding guests enjoy exploring on a regular basis.There are yacht moorings in the village and a little fishing fleet and a life boat station. Two dog friendly places to eat and drink – The William Conquerer which has a great menu and lots of outside seating and Bosuns Bite, a super dog friendly cafe with fantastic home made cakes. Both wonderful places to sit and take in the views across the Harbour towards Frenchman’s beach.
Map of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve East Sussex
Home to more than 300 rare or endangered species Rye Harbour Nature reserve is an amazing place to visit and provides us with fantastic walks through out the year. There is an information centre and pay and display parking as well as public toilets.
The Trust has an active and engaging Facebook page with lots of information about the birds and wildlife as we go through the seasons, The area is regularly featured on TV programmes including Countryfile.
The new discovery centre
Currently being built is a fantastic Discovery Centre – we will be sure to keep you updated on it’s progress and opening times, The Discovery Centre is architect designed and has been constructed on the site of the dilapidated Lime Kiln Cottage, which has been demolished.
Image from the builders, Baxhall Construction
Run by Sussex Wildlife Trust and supported by The Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve their website states
“It will provide a warm and comfortable space, offering information, toilets, refreshments and a view, so people and educational groups can plan their visits in all weathers, all year round. This is especially important for visitors who have mobility challenges.
It will enable people of all ages and abilities to discover more through increased numbers of educational visits, events, adult education, work experience, training, displays and interactive exhibits. It will improve the visitor experience and encourage year-round, repeat visits that will also benefit local tourism businesses.”
The Discovery Centre is on track to open in April 2021 and we can’t wait!
Camber Castle
Within the nature reserve itself is Camber Castle. It’s a little tricky to get to, but well worth the walk, imposing against the landscape and evocative of times gone by. This video from the Sussex Wildlife Trust says it all – make sure your sound is on to watch it.
Mary Stanford Lifeboat House
Also on the far path of the nature reserve is the derelict Mary Stanford Lifeboat House. Decommissioned by the RNLI in 1928 the building is a rundown and sad looking place these days, but it is worth visiting to read this story and the brave people who died in the terrible tragedy of 1928.
Mary Stanford Lifeboat House
Dogs welcome!
Dogs are welcome on the nature reserve, the only rules are:
- Keep them under close control so that they do not affect other people and our wildlife.
- Clean up after your dog using the bins provided.
- If you walk the footpaths with livestock in please keep all dogs on a lead.
Sussex Wildlife Trust have a wonderfully informative page on dogs on all nature reserves and the expected behaviour HERE
