RSPB Rye Meads

22/10/2026

As we were leaving yesterday we had a quick check of the Lapwing hide and had to take this photo. After a rather damp day the cows were certainly enjoying a little bit of sun as they munched on the grass.

22/10/2026

Please note that as there is a yellow weather warning for wind tomorrow, we may have to close at short notice. If we do need to close then we will post it on here, so please check before travelling to avoid any disappointment.

21/10/2026

It may have been a bit rainy today, but that didn't put some of our visitors off. Sightings of Reed Bunting, Kestrel, Snipe, and of course the Kingfisher at the Draper hide were all highlights of the day and, after all, we could do with a nice spot of rain...

20/10/2026

Just a reminder that our work party will be at the Draper hide on Thursday to finish off the vegetation clearance work. This should be finished this week so the following week will be nice and quiet...

19/10/2026

If you're still looking for things to do over the October half term, we've got a jam packed schedule of pond dipping, the Spectacular Spiders trail, air dry clay sculpting, and, to top it all off, a Sunday Saunter where you can join Mel on a gentle stroll around the reserve to see a whole manner of wildlife. Make sure you bring all your questions because he'll be able to answer them all! To book your tickets and to find out more information, follow the link below:

Events hosted by the RSPB Rye Meads reserve

18/10/2026

We had a very unexpected fly over this morning when one of the Rye Meads Ringing Group came in and said they saw a juvenile Gannet flying over! Unfortunately it didn't stop but flew north over the reserve. It's a good reminder to always keep an eye on the sky because you never know what could be up there...

Picture copyright RSPB / Mike Langman

17/10/2026

You may remember our Redwing watch from last year (if you don't then it was an "enthralling and entertaining" series where we logged our search for Redwing around the reserve). Well this year the search was over before it even started. The wonderful ringers at the Rye Meads Ringing Group came over and showed us one they had caught in their mist nets and what a stunner it was!

16/10/2026

What's better than a Red Kite? A pair of Red Kites, of course. During one of the sunnier periods of the day we looked out of the window and saw these two circling overhead, having a good look of our car park. Elsewhere around the reserve we've had Snipe, Green Sandpiper and, of course, the Kingfisher have all been active as well.

15/10/2026

The work party have been hard at work again today and the islands at the Draper hide are now cut. They will be back again next Thursday (and possibly Tuesday) to finish it up and then the water levels will be raised.

14/10/2026

It's never too early to start with the Halloween decorations... right? There may or may not be a clue as to what our October half term trail is going to be based on (hint: it's not pumpkins or wheelbarrows)...