One Fish, One Nest, One Reserve Worth Saving

Today at RSPB Rye Meads, I watched this male kingfisher study the water before diving. Moments later, he returned with a fish for the female waiting inside the nest.

Kingfishers are precise hunters. They judge the position of their prey before diving bill-first, while a transparent third eyelid protects their eyes underwater. During nesting, the male also presents fish to the female. Once the chicks hatch, both parents may need to catch up to 100 small fish a day.

This behaviour depends on clean water, healthy fish populations and carefully managed wetland habitats. Rye Meads provides all of these.

The reserve is also home to Common Terns, Water Voles, waterfowl and many other species. It gives families, schools, photographers and nature lovers a safe and accessible place to experience wildlife.

The RSPB is due to withdraw from Rye Meads in November 2026. The reserve will close from Monday 2 November while its management is transferred back to the landowner. Its future management and continued public access have not yet been confirmed.

This is deeply worrying.

Protecting the land is important, but wildlife also needs active habitat management. People need continued access to the paths, hides and facilities that make Rye Meads such a valuable community resource.

The landowner, RSPB, local authorities and conservation organisations must work together to secure its future.

Protect the wildlife. Preserve public access. Save Rye Meads.

Because nature is better when we notice it — and when we protect it.