Wealden District Council refused the application to convert the former clubhouse into 11 holiday lets — an important and very positive result for Bewl Water. The vote was 9 against and 0 for the application. The Committee recognised the seriousness of the harm and refused the scheme. The webcast of the meeting can be accessed…
Wealden District Councillors were sent the following by FoBW before the planning meeting on 26th February. Dear Councillor Please refuse this planning application The decision Wealden District Council makes on Thursday will determine their attitude to recreational facilities, critical ecological centres and will affect thousands of residents. I attach a number of documents. Collectively they’re…
https://www.instagram.com/p/DVL5jBBCDvc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== From the Instagram account of Emily Craig – Olympic Gold medallist: – Extremely saddened to hear that the clubhouse at Bewl Water could be transformed into holiday flats, not only posing a threat to the local wildlife but also to the water sports (including rowing) that train on the reservoir. While a recent BBC…
The application will be heard on Thursday 26 February 2026 at 10.00am at the Civic Community Hall, Wealden District Council Offices, Vicarage Lane, Hailsham, BN27 2AX. Help us by: · Attending on the day · Encourage others to attend. The bigger the turnout the better. · If you live in Wealden District please contact your…
We are very pleased that the Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal (Ref: APP/U1430/W/25/3372099) against Rother District Council’s refusal of planning permission for an additional holiday lodge at Downash Wood Treehouses. This was on the edge of Bewl Water. The Inspector concluded that the proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area, including…
PRESS RELEASE: Friends of Bewl Water (FoBW) Date: 26th January 2026 FoBW’s Position Claire Moore, Chair of Friends of Bewl Water, said: “These results confirm what we have long believed: Bewl Water is a sanctuary for wildlife and a vital community resource. The public has spoken clearly—nature must come first. We will use this evidence…
An important daytime recreational site and a sanctuary for wildlife Introduction 1) On 8 May 2025, for two hours, the clubs at Bewl Water were invited to view some proposals put forward by Salomons UK, the company which manages Bewl Water. On 9 May 2025, for five hours and 10 May 2025, for three hours,…
🌿 Explore Bewl with the Ramblers – Free Guided Walks This November! 🌿 The Rother Ramblers are inviting local residents to join one of two guided walks at Bewl Water this November – and the first few walks are free to try! 🗓️ 16 Nov – 8.5 miles 📍 Meet at 10am, Pillory Corner (TN5…
We’re excited to be taking part in King John’s Nursery & Café’s Winter Market this Saturday, 8 November 2025, from 9:30am to 12:30pm at Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, TN19 7AZ. The Friends of Bewl Water will be there with a stall to share updates on our latest campaigns, chat with the community, and celebrate the beauty…
The questions Your views for Bewl Water are sought. Some of the topics are: keeping the recreational facilities, preserving the natural environment, preserving the wildife, light pollution, building hotels there and maintaining and improving the facilities and training for young people. Why now? The managers of Bewl Water have step by step introduced plans for…
Help save Bewl Water by taking part in the consultation exercise Bewl Water is under attack. Bewl Water was developed to provide water and also to create a haven for wildlife and enable sailors, rowers, canoers, walkers, birdwatchers, fishermen etc, to pursue their activities and enjoy the beautiful site. All these activities thrived when the…
Time is running out to make your voice heard. A developer is appealing Rother District Council’s decision to refuse yet another holiday let on the edge of Bewl Water – a peaceful haven for wildlife and a cherished space for our community. We’re urging everyone who cares about the future of this beautiful area to…
Register your objection nowA developer is trying to overturn the decision of Rother District Council and ignores the wishes of the local community. Your help is needed. Please Object Now More information can be found in our leaflet here – 2025 (09) Downash Wood Appeal To object or comment on the appeal (Closing date 21…
Its not too late to help protect Bewl Water from hoteliersMissed the deadline – Please send your objection nowIf you haven’t yet commented on the proposed conversion of the water sports club house into overnight tourist accommodation please do so. Although the deadline for submissions has passed, you can send your objection via email to…
An Important Safety Notice ⚠️ has been Issued by the managers of Bewl Water as follows: The reservoir is currently at 52% capacity, and as water levels continue to drop, large areas of soft, unstable mud are appearing along the shoreline. For your safety and to help protect our local environment, we kindly ask that…
Follow the link to see the full article in The Argus Plans for Bewl Water holiday lets and café met with anger | The Argus
The proposed badly designed waterfront 24-hour residential development Step by step a hotelier, has tried to convert Bewl Water from a tranquil site for visitors and wildlife, particularly birds into a Center Parcs-style resort There is a new planning application to convert the old boathouse at Bewl Water with its almost exclusively daytime activity…
We are delighted to share the news that the planning application for Downash has today been refused by Rother District Council’s Planning Committee. This is a significant win for the landscape, wildlife, and all who value the peace and natural beauty of Bewl Water. We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone who contributed to this outcome:…
A worrying report shows we are facing a global bird extinction crisis unprecedented in modern times, with habitat loss emerging as the most significant driver of species extinction. However, local conservation actions show that small efforts can have resounding success and the paper calls for urgent conservation efforts to mitigate this huge threat. A news…
The controversial Downash planning application is scheduled to be considered by Rother District Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, 26th June 2025. This is a critical moment for the future of the High Weald National Landscape around Bewl Water, and we strongly encourage local residents, supporters, and concerned citizens to attend the meeting in person to demonstrate the strength of public opposition. 🗓 Date: Thursday, 26th…
CPRE Kent are the claimants in the ‘Turnden’ case linked to Wadhurst Parish Council’s challenge of the Secretary of State’s decision to allow permanent camping and yurts at Bewl Water. Specifically, the case raises the question of whether the words “seek to further” as contained in the amended s.85(A1) CROW Act alter the substance of…
We are pleased to share news that the Phelps Gull Report, commissioned by Wadhurst Parish Council, has been updated. This critical document assesses the impacts of human disturbance on gull roost sites at Bewl Water. The updated report, now including new findings and recommendations by renowned ornithologist David Campbell, is essential support for conservation efforts.…
Bewl Water: A sanctuary for animals and an important recreational site for visitors is in danger Bewl Water is under attack 1.The Friends of Bewl Water was founded last year to protect this internationally important ecological site, where animals, particularly birds, need a noise and light pollution free night-time. Many of the birds are on…
The peace and beauty of Bewl Water area is under attack Photo: SuxxesPhoto Step by step a developer has sought to convert protected fields and woodland into holiday lets Stephen Jones, who lists Orpington as his address, has made a series of planning applications in Tinkers Lane, Ticehurst. In 2015, he applied for two tree…
Thank You for Joining the Friends of Bewl Water at Ticehurst Talks! The Friends of Bewl Water would like to extend their sincere thanks and congratulations to Tony Lloyd and the organizers of Ticehurst Talks for another successful sell -out talk on the History of Bewl Water last week. Thank you to everyone who attended…