Would you like to see some baby birds in the hand? Join the experts of the Rye Meads Ringing Group as they monitor and ring the birds breeding in the nestboxes around the reserve. This is the perfect opportunity for families to catch a glimpse into the life of a nestbox, home to Blue or Great Tit's.
We have a variety of boxes around Rye Meads that offer nesting sites for Kestrels, Blue and Great tits, House Sparrows and Stock Doves. Nature is fickle though, so you may find many other species making use of the space instead! On our guided walk with an expert bird ringer you will have the chance to see a variety of birds up close and personal.
Please note for the safety of the birds, this event is dependent on good weather and could be postponed at short notice if the weather is not favourable. However, we will aim to give as much notice as possible (tickets will be transferred to a new date where possible, otherwise refunds will be given).
Rye Meads Ringing Group have been studying birds as volunteers on the site since 1960, and usually ring around 65 different species per year. Birds are rung in order to aid research and conservation efforts. This includes many different factors including where they go, how long they live, and helping a better understanding on how to age and sex birds. Only 1-2% of birds ringed are recovered or controlled so continued work ringing new birds is necessary in order to keep an up to date picture on populations, migration patterns, and how they may be affected environmental and climate changes.
For more information on the Rye Meads ringing group please visit https://www.rmrg.org.uk/
https://www.rmrg.org.uk/activities/managing-our-nestboxes/
FAQs
What should I bring to the event?
Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn. Please bring along a drink and/or snack for the walk. Our Café Lite facilities will also be open should you want a hot or cold drink and a bite to eat after. We also recommend bringing your own binoculars if you have them, or they can be hired from the Visitor Centre for £5.
Is there a minimum age requirement for the event?
Due to the length of the walks, we do not recommend them for children under the age of 8 years old.
Is the walk fully accessible?
There is step-free access to the Visitor Centre, trails and hides, and the Guided Walk is fully accessible to wheelchair users. We also have a mobility scooter available free of charge (please phone to book). Subject to availability, we can also provide a sighted guide to assist those with vision impairments.
What parking and facilities are available at the reserve?
Parking is available at the Visitor Centre, free to members of the RSPB or blue badge holders, and £4 per car for non-members of the RSPB. (Please see our website for parking charges for larger vehicles or motorbikes). Cycle racks are available at the Visitor Centre as well as toilets and baby changing facilities.
Do you have a cafe on site?
We don't have a full cafe with hot food and sandwiches but do have light snacks such as crisps, sweet treats, hot and cold drinks and ice cream.
Can I sign up for RSPB membership?
If you would like to find out more about RSPB membership on the day, please speak to one of our team.
Are dogs permitted on the walk?
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the nature reserve (except guide dogs and medical assistance dogs), due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Refund policy.
Should the event not go ahead on the date you have purchased tickets for, and you are unable to attend the rearranged date, we will issue you with a full refund. Should you wish to cancel, a full refund will be issued should we receive 24 hours notice or more. To make a cancellation please call us on 01992 708383.
Proof of Purchase.
Upon arrival at the Visitor Centre you will need to show either your confirmation email or a printed ticket please. RSPB members should also bring along their membership cards.
Should you have any other questions or require further information please email us at rye.meads@rspb.org.uk or call us on 01992 708383.