New bird watching hide at Harbour

The John Gooders hide will give people a better view of the wading birds at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

John Gooders was Chairman of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for ten years and the author of many books that inspired a generation of birdwatchers.

The hide opening was celebrated by a gathering of 30 people who enjoyed the stunning views over the wader pool and local artist Bob Greenhalf’s mural depicting the saltmarsh wildlife.

They heard how the success of the Nature Reserve, one of Sussex Wildlife Trust’s flagship reserves, depends upon the partnership of organisations such as the 2,000 members of Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, and the Environment Agency.

The hide is close to the Lime Kiln Cottage Information Centre and is now fully accessible to wheelchairs and large enough for school groups.

The John Gooders hide was funded by the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and a donation by the Gooders family, and the access to this hide was sponsored by the Fat Face Foundation.

For information on visiting the reserve visit: www.wildrye.info.

Pictured here are John Barnes, (Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve), Chris Warne (Sussex Wildlife Trust), Mrs Robbie Gooders, Tony Lloyd (Management Committee) and artist Bob Greenhalf.