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Weir Wood Reservoir

East Sussex  >  United Kingdom

Located a few miles to the south of East Grinstead, this reservoir lies in a secluded valley in the High Weald and the western end is a local nature reserve

Added* by John Wickenden
Most recent update 23 Νοεμβρίου 2025
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Description

Weir Wood Reservoir of approximately 81 acres at the western end of the reservoir has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve. One hide is located adjacent to the car park on the southern shore. The eastern end of the reservoir, where the dam and works are located is home to a sailing and angling club. Most of the southern shore is not really accessible. Public footpaths follow the northern shore for much of its length. The western end contains a number of tern rafts and Ποταμογλάρονο are regularly noted, along with (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κορμοράνος, Σταχτοτσικνιάς and (Κοινός) Λευκοτσικνιάς.

The woodlands are home to a large variety of woodland species such as Δεντροφυλλοσκόπος, Μαυροσκούφης, Πράσινος Δρυοκολάπτης and Τρυποφράχτης. The reedbeds at the extreme western end produce Καλαμοποταμίδα and Κηποτσιροβάκος. Often seen on the slopes of the dam at the eastern end are Ακτίτης, Σιγλίγουρος, Ποταμοσφυριχτής and Κοκκινοσκέλης, whilst the lake is frequented by Mandarin Duck and Φοινικόσιηνα. During the spring and early summer Δεντρογέρακο and at least one Ψαραετός are normally seen along with σταβλοχελίδονο, (Κοινή) Σταχτάρα and Λευκοχελίδονο. During May 2025 a pair of (Ευρωπαϊκό) Μαυροκιρκίνεζο were seen in the woods to the north east end of the lake.

During winter months the Friends of Weir Wood place bird feeders in various positions around the hide.

Details

Access

Weir Wood Reservoir Local Nature Reserve is located a few miles to the south of the town of East Grinstead. Car is the best way to reach Weir Wood, the nearest station being East Grinstead which is at least 3 miles from the nature reserve car park at the western end. There are two car parks that can be used. The first is the Nature reserve car park in Legsheath Lane, whilst the second is at the Sailing and Leisure club in the south east corner in Weirwood Road near the village of Forest Row. Press a P on the map for directions. The footpaths on the north side of the water are accessible from either.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Valley , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Hilly , High water possible , Wet

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Car , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Friends of Weir wood have a website and Facebook page in which they general post a daily report of sightings, see the link below.

Links

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