Meet David Bentley of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Emma Chaplin
, 24 November 2025
Meet David Bentley of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
David Bentley © Sandi Bain

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Blackpool, Lancashire. I wasn't allowed to cycle when I was a lad, because of illness, so my grandad - a lovely and clever man - gave me a pair of binoculars for my birthday instead of a bike. Ever since I've wanted to be outdoors, looking at stuff. Luckily, my career in nature conservation and environmental education allowed me to do just that.

Tell us about your relationship with Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

I first visited after coming south for university over 40 years ago (crikey!). The shingle is what struck me. It was so alien to me. I loved the wide-open space. I loved the atmosphere of the place that I immediately felt, still feel and still can't quite put into words. We moved to Rye 15 years ago, attracted by town and nature reserve in equal measure. Each day on the reserve still feels like a holiday. This summer I spent more time looking at insects than birds and it feels like I've dug up a whole new treasure trove to explore.

What do you think makes it a special place?

I love that it takes a very full day to see the place in the detail that it deserves, to look and listen to its incredible wildlife, but that it's also very accessible and it's possible for most people to make a quick visit, with a flat track up to the Discovery Centre, Gooders Hide and the sea. I love that it's relatively easy to see 80 bird species in a day, all year round. It's just quality.

What is your favourite spot, time of year, time of day and species?

All of these could and do change daily!

Favourite spot - Crittall Hide. The light is always so good.

Favourite time of year - early June, when the shingle flowers are in bloom - I adore Sea Pea - and the breeding birds are buzzing.

Favourite time of day - last light in winter, but I mostly come here early in the morning when it's generally best for birds.

Favourite species - Little Grebes - tiny, stumpy birds with pom-pom backsides that randomly sink, then randomly bob back up.

What would you say to someone thinking of visiting for the first time?

If you can, come alone and walk and then just keep walking, so that your first contact with this incredible place will be of an undiluted, visceral experience. Then go to a Sussex Wildlife Trust 'Guide in a Hide' event, when Friends of RHNR volunteers will show you some of the beautiful birds that are found here. Then I'd say come back again. And again.

List of events at Rye Harbour

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Comments

  • Linda Wren:

    That day you visited RHNR was a special day for all of us David. Thank you for everything you do.

    25 Nov 2025 15:35:00

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