15 May 2021

As part of the Surfers Against Sewage Million Mile Clean, we chose to remove litter from the River Rother at Rye Harbour.

We met at the Sailing Club, who had generously allowed us to use their facilities, and set off in two groups, towards Rye, at the mid-point of the incoming tide. Unfortunately, there was not much litter in the river itself, and the high-water litter was not easily reachable, so both groups quickly ended up on the RIver Brede, in Rye town centre, where we had a coffee and waited for the tide to come further in.

Once the water had started to rise, we set off, back towards the sailing club, with the litter on the banks being much more accessible. The four resident seals seemed to be intrigued by our presence and kept a watchful eye on us.

The sailing club joined in collecting litter, using their large RIB, and were able to retrieve some large pieces of fishing net and rope.

Once back, we separated out the drinks bottles to provide data to Marine Conservation and Strandliners, and piled up the rest, which the Sailing Club had generously agreed to dispose of. A coffee, and some of Naj's delicious cake provided a pleasant end to a successful day.

Thanks to Rye Harbour Sailing Club and to everyone that helped.