Much-loved viewpoint reopens

Laura Ross
, 15 October 2024
Much-loved viewpoint reopens
Viewpoint at Castle Water © David King

By Laura Ross

Communications Officer, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Walking around the edge of what is quite clearly an industrial estate in Rye Harbour village, it’s difficult to imagine you’re only a few minutes away from tranquillity. Yet, beneath the Willow trees and Bramble bushes, an unassuming path leads to the entrance of our newly reopened boardwalk and viewpoint at Castle Water. As the sunshine illuminates the swaying reeds, and the grunts and squeals of a Water Rail punctuate the silence, it’s not hard to see why this place has been missed by the local community. Just under a year ago, it was sadly closed as the wooden structure was beyond repair and unsafe for public use. 

The new path entrance
The new path entrance © Laura Ross

So began a project to bring it back to its former glory, headed by Ranger, David King. I began by asking him why it's so special. “It’s an elevated viewpoint over our big reedbed and a beautiful, scenic view. Reeds grow 6-8ft high and if you were on ground level you’d just be looking at a bank of reeds, not able to see over the top of it. Having this elevation allows you to see a long, long way”.

The original boardwalk was constructed around 15 years ago. However, standing in water, it was always going to be a challenge to maintain the wood. This time round, the team have had to be inventive with how they’ve approached the new design and build. “The new boardwalk takes a shorter route, so there's only around a quarter of the length to maintain. The wood has also been secured to galvanised metal brackets and these have been set into concrete, to stop the wood contacting the soil and retaining moisture. This will reduce the risk of the wood rotting” explained David.

The new boardwalk
The new boardwalk © David King

Listening to David listing off the different species he’s been lucky enough to see here, it’s like a who’s who of the bird world. From Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits to Kingfisher and Cetti’s Warbler, Bittern and Firecrest. “It’s a really good place to do birdwatching, but people will also come up here for a picnic because it’s a lovely, peaceful spot”. And when does he like it best? “I love it at sunset in winter, because you’re looking out to the setting sun and the reedbed turns golden”.

Castle Water
Castle Water at sunset © Neil Fletcher

On behalf of the team at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, we would like to say a big thank you to Rangers, David King and Claire Oughtred, along with our Lederman Trainee Rangers, Pip Newby and Abi Haidemenos. They have been supported all the way by a devoted group of volunteers who have also given their time and energy to making this happen. Thank you to you all too!

If you would like to discover the viewpoint at Castle Water, the 'what3words' for the path entrance are rummage.escapes.haunt. Alternatively, you can pick up a map from the Discovery Centre or find it at point 15 here.

Leave a comment

Comments

  • Kathy Whiting:

    Is it accessible?

    16 Oct 2024 11:59:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Hi Kathy,

    Our Rangers are currently replacing the two steps onto the boardwalk with a ramp - this will be completed by the end of the month. The path up to the boardwalk is quite bumpy, so only certain wheelchairs and mobility scooters would manage it.

    Thanks,

    Laura


  • Kim Bowdery:

    This sounds great. We were very close by 10 days ago, without realising that the viewpoint was there. We saw Environment Agency signs about contaminated land. Is this an ongoing problem?

    16 Oct 2024 19:50:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    There is a legacy of historic land use in the industrial area along Harbour Road, including historical dumping of oily wastes and material from the Battle Gasworks that left a legacy of pollution around the margin of the reserve. There is no undue risk to the public. The advice provided by the Environment Agency is to avoid consuming anything - plant, animal or fungal - in the area indicated by the signage.

  • David Phillips:

    Excellent news and many thanks to David King and everyone involved.One of my favourite spots to sit and quietly enjoy.

    17 Oct 2024 07:07:00

  • Simon Goacher:

    Look forward to discovering and using the new boardwalk, and seeing the Castle Water end of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

    17 Oct 2024 09:42:00

  • MR MARK DUNN:

    Well done all involved – Brilliant.

    17 Oct 2024 17:53:00

  • Kathy Whiting:

    Is it accessible?

    18 Oct 2024 20:20:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Work is currently being undertaken to convert the two steps onto the boardwalk into a ramp. We are hoping this should be complete by the end of the month. It's worth noting that the path up to the boardwalk is quite bumpy and so only accessible to certain wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

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