Rye Harbour West

Rother District Council and the Environment Agency

The Rye area is important for sand and gravel extraction and Rye Harbour provides a base for commercial fishing. The shoreline is of high nature conservation value for shingle ridges, plants and bird populations.

Shingle levels on the undeveloped coast from Winchelsea Beach to Rye Harbour have increased mainly due to the position of the harbour arm. Excess shingle is used to top up beaches in this unit and Unit 12. Upkeep of the existing harbour arm will be required to maintain the current defence situation.