Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve
Weir Wood Reservoir in Ashdown Forest is mostly water, surrounded by strips of open grassland, scrub and woodland. Low lying meadows also form part of the reserve.
The western end of the reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve. The rest is used for fishing and water sports.
Bench at Weir Wood Reservoir
What you will find
The site covers about 152 hectares and is an important wildlife haven, with many habitats in a small area – open water, river banks, pools, mature trees, scrub, meadow, hedge and fringe vegetation.
The main habitat at Weir Wood is open water, with a wide range of birds. It is particularly noted for its breeding population of great crested grebe. Other birds include kingfisher, tern, osprey, teal swifts, swallows and whitethroat. Twelve pairs of heron regularly breed in the heronry.
In winter it is a refuge for wildfowl such as pochard, tufted duck and goldeneye. During the summer months, the water's edge buzzes with insect life. Dragonflies, damselflies and a whole host of butterflies are present.
Fishing and sailing is permitted at the eastern end of the lake.
Walking, cycling and access
There is no public access to the site but the Legsheath Lane car park provides good views across the reservoir. An easily accessible bird hide and viewing platform are popular with birdwatchers.
A public footpath runs along the north bank. This has a picnic site towards the top end.
How to get there
Heading north on the A22, turn left at Wych Cross on to Legsheath Lane.
A car park is situated on Legsheath Lane, map reference: TQ383341.
History and management
The reservoir was first flooded in 1954. The wildlife on the site increased so much that it was listed a Site of Special Scientific interest in 1966. Southern Water recognised the importance of the wildlife at the shallow western end and designated this area as an informal nature reserve, excluding boating and fishing.
Iron rich streams and a number of old slag heaps along the river are relics of a busy iron industry. In 1981 it was designated as a formal Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This may be extended to cover the whole reservoir and surrounding land.
Weir Wood Reservoir is owned by Southern Water, and managed by our Countryside Management Service.
The Friends of Weir Wood help monitor the wildlife and add labour and financial support towards many of the projects on site.
Volunteering
If you are interested in helping us maintain our countryside sites in East Sussex, you can register to be a volunteer ranger.
Contact us
Contact the Weir Wood Reserve ranger.
