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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 Common Tern are regularly noted, along with Great Cormorant, Grey Heron and Little Egret.
The woodlands are home to a large variety of woodland species such as Common Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Eurasian Green Woodpecker and Wren. The reedbeds at the extreme western end produce Reed Warbler and Garden Warbler. Often seen on the slopes of the dam at the eastern end are Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank, whilst the lake is frequented by Mandarin Duck and Egyptian Goose. During the spring and early summer Eurasian Hobby and at least one Osprey are normally seen along with Barn Swallow, Common Swift and House Martin. During May 2025 a pair of Red-footed Falcon 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 bushesConditions
Hilly , High water possible , WetCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Car , FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra 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.