Over the summer I prepared a report on the future of the Iron Salts, Rye’s much-loved but often underappreciated green space. My aim was simple: to open up a discussion, to listen, and to seek support from those who care deeply about how we manage this important piece of public land.
I am grateful to Rye Town Council for allowing me to present the report and answer questions at a recent meeting. The discussion there, together with ongoing conversations with local conservationists, has helped shape a clear way forward.
A balanced approach
The consensus is that we need to strike a balance: creating swathes of wildflower meadow that support biodiversity and pollinators, while also retaining open, mown areas where people can enjoy walking, playing, and events. This balance will ensure that the Iron Salts is both a haven for nature and a welcoming space for residents and visitors.
Practical next steps
Rother District Council has responded very positively to the report. Importantly, they have agreed that after the planned annual cut later this month, the cuttings will be collected. This is not normally done, but it is a crucial step that will make it far more likely for wildflower seeds to establish successfully. On the advice of conservationists, this practice will need to be repeated after subsequent cuts, and in time this responsibility will fall more into local hands.
We are also exploring whether these cuttings could be put to good use in compost heaps managed by Graham Ellis, an excellent local green business leader and director of Community Compost Solutions and the Rye Community Orchards.
Community support
This project has already attracted generous local backing. The first (and very fittingly, “seed”) funding has come from Dominic Manning of Manning Wistow Architects, whose passion for climate and nature is well known in our town. This contribution, along with the support from local conservationists and landowners helping with mowing and maintaining the Iron Salts along with other partners, will help cover the modest costs of seed and ground preparation.
A process, not an event
It is important to stress that this is not a quick fix. Establishing wildflower areas on the fertile, alkaline soils of the Salts will take time and care. This is a process, not a one-off action, and it will take more than a year before the results are fully visible. What we are beginning now is a journey that will steadily improve the Iron Salts, creating a space that is richer in biodiversity, more attractive, and more flexible for community use.
Looking ahead
Rye deserves public spaces that bring together the best of both worlds: nature thriving alongside people enjoying the outdoors. The Iron Salts has the potential to be just that — and with the backing of our councils, local businesses, and community leaders, I am confident that this project will deliver real benefits for Rye.
