Landscape
The rolling hills of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) end at the ancient cliffs of Winchelsea and Rye. Several thousand years ago, waves crashed against these cliffs and the valleys of the Rother and Brede rivers were great estuaries leading out to sea.
Today, these gently sloping valleys allow long, spectacular views across the marshes and the sea. There are several towns and villages and the land is used mainly for agriculture.
River valleys
The river valley landscapes are broad and flat with a spacious and remote feel. This contrasts with the gently rolling slopes of the surrounding High Weald. The rivers still show evidence of past use when goods such as gunpowder from Sedlescombe were transported to waiting cargo boats at Rye.
Today, fishing is common particularly on the River Rother, which joins the Royal Military Canal at Iden Lock. Wetland landscapes, such as Pannel Valley, have been created and provide a haven for wildlife.
Coastal levels
Wide, flat, open coastal levels dominate the coastline, with the dramatic settlements of Rye and Winchelsea standing proudly above on the old cliff line. The coastline is mostly shingle and includes the ancient shingle ridges at Rye Harbour. These are an important part of the landscape showing how the coastline has developed towards the sea.
To the East of Rye Harbour is Camber Sands, the only sand dunes in East Sussex. Gravel pits along the coast show one of the past industrial uses of the land and fishing is still carried out from Rye Harbour.
East Guldeford Marsh
The Romney Marshes are one of the largest coastal marshes in England. The flat landscape is maintained by sheep grazing and a system of ditches that control water levels. The large sky dominates the view, giving the area a feeling of emptiness. Dungeness Power station and the steeples of the churches dotted across the marsh are the only interruptions to the skyline.
High Weald
The High Weald is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), because of its distinct landscape of gently rolling hills, orchards, hedges, coppiced woodland and sunken lanes. Small villages lie along the ridges overlooking Rye Bay with buildings that are fine examples of traditional High Weald styles using clay tiles and weatherboarding.
Find out more from the High Weald website.
