Over 600 children swap the classroom for Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Laura Ross
, 12 August 2025
Over 600 children swap the classroom for Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
© Westfield Primary

School's out for summer and we've been reflecting on the busy, and brilliant, year we've had, welcoming schools to the nature reserve.

Over the last academic year, over 600 children from 17 different local schools have had the opportunity to discover the incredible landscape and wildlife at Rye Harbour.

We know that outdoor learning and connecting with nature, provides a valuable opportunity for children to explore the natural world in a fun and engaging, way - and it brings the National Curriculum to life too!

This year, we've introduced children to:

  • The River Rother and its impact on changing the landscape of the nature reserve, explored through natural map making activities
  • The variety of different habitats and wildlife found on the saltmarsh, often discovered first hand with nets and pots
  • A unique, close-up view of our wading birds, with our amazing Guide in a Hide volunteers, sharing their knowledge
  • Discovering the huge variety of moths that have visited our moth trap overnight
  • How to be a Climate Challenger hero, taking part in litter picking and beachcombing activities along the strandline
  • We've also shared the power of Blue Carbon, and the vital role these tiny, microscopic creatures can have on reducing the effects of climate change.
Children on the beach at Rye © Brede Primary
Children on the beach at Rye © Brede Primary

We know it's gone down well with the teachers too..

‘We had a fantastic day, and the children have talked a lot about it. Thank you, I really loved the trip too and will be back.’

‘They certainly came back absolutely buzzing and very happy with the day they had experienced.’

'We all had such a wonderful time; thank you so much for having us; the children really enjoyed it!’

Apply for help with transport costs

Did you know, we've been able to support two schools with their transport costs, thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve? If you'd like a school to be considered for funding, to help with transport costs to the nature reserve, please email [email protected]

Book a visit

If you're a school that would like to book a visit with us, please complete our enquiry form

Enquire about a visit

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