Wildfowl and water

This walk follows the “Osprey Trail” around the modern Arlington Reservoir and wildlife sanctuary. The elevated nature of the reservoir and its surrounds offers excellent views over the Low Weald towards the South Downs.

Route Details

LENGTH – 2 miles

TIME – 1 hours

START – Arlington Reservoir Car Park, Station Road, Berwick, BN26 6TF.

PARKING – Arlington Reservoir Car Park (pay and display).

TOILETS – Arlington Reservoir Car Park

REFRESHMENTS – Pub at Arlington (½ mile off route) and seasonal café at Arlington Reservoir Car Park.

CAUTION – The walk is adjacent to deep water. Can be muddy in some areas due to wet weather.

This walk contains stiles.

Icon key

Caution

Cafe

Car park

Gradient

Picnic area

Pub

Shop

Start point

Toilet

Interest Points

1

The excavation of the land for the reservoir had unexpected consequences in revealing evidence of the Ice Age in Sussex about 250,000 years ago. Although glaciers did not reach this far south, the land would have “enjoyed” a tundra like climate with the ground frozen for much of the year. The works revealed evidence of animals which are now extinct roaming the landscape such as bison, woolly rhinoceroses and mammoths.

2

This part of the walk crosses the 0.6 mile (1 kilometre) long dam and reveals how the reservoir works. Water is pumped from the River Cuckmere to the east during winter when river levels are high and then held in the 770 million (3,500 million) litre capacity reservoir to be used throughout the year. The pumps are housed in the concrete tower.

3

Between 1969 and 1971 bulldozers created the 120 acre reservoir. The River Cuckmere was straightened by cutting off a long meander with the concrete-faced, earth-core dam. The main reason for locating the reservoir at this point in Sussex was that the clay ground made an excellent, natural, watertight base for the reservoir without the necessity of having to construct such a base specially. The reservoir has also become a nature reserve. It is particularly famed for its bird life, with up to 170 species breeding in the area and 10,000 migrating birds using it each year.

4

The Romans had previously made good use of this same clay by constructing a pottery with kilns and workshops in the area now occupied by the reservoir. This was halfway between and served a small Roman town sited along the east-west road Farne Street, which crossed the Cuckmere just south of the modern waterworks and another settlement at Wick Street to the north of the reservoir. The modern word “Wick” is from the Latin “vicus” – a small settlement.

Disclaimer

Whilst we have taken reasonable endeavours to ensure the information is up to date and correct, you will be using the information strictly at your own risk. If you come across any inaccuracies whilst you are on your walk, please contact Wealden District Council’s Community and Regeneration team.

The self-guided walk descriptions are provided to help you navigate your way, however we recommend that you plan your route prior to walking the route and that you carry an Ordnance Survey map of the area being walked and follow your position on the map as you proceed.

Please note, we cannot be responsible for the conditions of the footpaths and land and you are responsible for your own safety.