This is a critical moment for Bewl Water – and we need your help now. A developer is attempting to overturn the unanimous 9–0 decision of Wealden District Council and force through plans to convert the water sports clubhouse at Bewl Water into 11 holiday lets. If this appeal succeeds, the damage to wildlife, water…
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…
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,…
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…
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.…