Discover Castle Water's wildlife in this peaceful guided walk with our expert James Duncan in one of the best places for birds in Sussex!

Tutor: James Duncan

We’re delighted that Castle Water at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is open to visitors again, following careful monitoring of suspected avian botulism, confirmed bird flu and blue-green algae. On this walk, we'll be keeping to designated footpaths and viewing areas.

Join expert birder, James, for a guided circular walk of around 6km (3 to 4 miles), starting and ending at Brede Lock on Harbour Road. We'll take in Castle Water, a former gravel pit, and the farmed part of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, a peaceful and less-visited part of the reserve with great views.

We’ll follow the River Brede across the sheep fields, stopping to watch the birds we find. We'll then head to the birdwatching hide overlooking Castle Water. We might see wintering songbirds and ducks, egrets and other waterbirds, maybe even the magnificent Marsh Harrier.

On the way back, we'll pass Henry VIII's Camber Castle as well as reedbeds, grazing fields and ditches which support a variety of wildlife.

Previous attendees of James's Castle Water walk told us what they enjoyed most:

"Superb guiding from James...Good pace and clear, interesting facts. Great [bird] spotting as well."

"Exploring the castle side of the reserve and the different variety of birds there. Feels different from the visitor centre side. James has such sharp ears for bird calls as well!"

James Duncan has led hundreds of walks and courses for Sussex Wildlife Trust. Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a wetland habitat of international importance, particularly for waterbirds, with a mosaic of habitats supporting many rare and vulnerable species.

Meeting point: Meet at Brede Lock, 50m from the junction of Harbour Road and Winchelsea Road, TN31 7UG (https://goo.gl/maps/L2XwP45YWCMkHp8KA). Car parking available nearby, on the A259 - The Strand (Winchelsea Road).

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Please be aware that this walk may overrun by up to half an hour, depending on the wildlife that is around to spot.

Public Transport: Our meeting place is half a mile from the bus stops at Rye Rail Station.

What to bring: Sturdy waterproof footwear and binoculars if you have them. Please dress for the weather, layers are recommended. You're welcome to bring your own drink and snacks.

Toilet facilities: The nearest public toilet (open 8am to 6pm) is half a mile away on the quay in the town of Rye at 7 Strand, Rye, TN31 7DB – the disabled toilet can be accessed with a radar key.

Accessibility: We walk at a gentle pace and the gradient is relatively flat. However, there are no surfaced paths and the terrain can be wet and muddy making it potentially unsuitable for mobility scooters, depending on the weather and ground conditions.

Dogs: No dogs, except for assistance dogs.

Cancellation policy: Refunds are not usually available within 30 days of a scheduled event. Please read our Terms and Conditions (https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/help-advice/policies/course-and-event-bookings-terms-and-conditions/) before booking. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Young people, aged 14-17, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Contact: If you have any questions about this event, email: rhdcoffice@sussexwt.org.uk

Images:

Birdwatching at Halpin Hide © Sarah Watson

Castle Water © Barry Yates

Description supplied by the event organiser.