Rye & Dungeness

This 2 day trip is designed to kickstart the New Year with a good assortment of wildfowl and waders to be found, plus hopefully some divers or grebes around too. Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harrier are regularly seen around the Dungeness reserve and Bewick’s Swans are often found on the marshes. Barn Owl, Bittern and Bearded Reedling are all possible. All have been reported in recent days.

14/1 we depart Shoreham at 7am. The plan is to drive initially to Rock-a-nore, Hastings for a toilet stop and hopefully Fulmars. Then we will continue to Pett Level, and spend around 30 mins there scanning the sea and marshes.

From here we will continue to Dungeness, starting at the ARC/Hanson hide, which is opposite the main reserve. We would aim to be there around 10.AM. We will spend the day here exploring the reserve and surrounding area, taking account of local birding news.

Members should bring their own packed lunches as there are limited facilities at the visitor centre.

We plan to make the most of daylight, and will aim to finish at a location with the possibility of seeing birds coming in to roost, before driving to our accommodation at Winchelsea.

The reserve is managed by RSPB and parking fees will be payable for non-members who are driving themselves

15/1 After breakfast we will transfer to Rye Harbour and aim to be at the car park around 9.30AM and will spend the day around the reserve and local area.This reserve is run by SWT and there are no entry fees. Food and drink are available at the visitor centre.The itinerary is subject to change taking account of local weather conditions and bird news.