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Weir Wood Reservoir

Weir Wood Reservoir, near East Grinstead, is a popular outdoor destination. From hiking to sailing, there are plenty of activities to get involved in while you're there.

Features

  • Water sports Water sports
  •  Picnic area Picnic area
  • Free parking Free parking
  • Nature reserve Nature reserve
  • Fishing Fishing
  • Bird hide Bird hide
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The reservoir

An aerial view of Weir Wood Reservoir

About Weir Wood

First flooded in the 1950s, Weir Wood Reservoir is a 379-acre site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

The large water reservoir covers roughly 279 acres and can hold over 1.2 billion gallons (or 4.5 billion litres) of water. In the surrounding area, there's a nature reserve that provides habitats for many species of plants, animals, birds, and insects.

We manage conservation work at Weir Wood alongside East Sussex County Council and The Friends of Weir Wood Society. We’re also investing £37 million across our Weir Wood and East Brighton water supply sites to upgrade the reservoir water treatment works. 

An aerial view of Weir Wood Reservoir

Millennium Walk Footpath

The Millennium Walk Footpath runs from the water treatment works at the reservoir and joins a public footpath along the fence line. A picnic site offers spectacular views across the water about one kilometre west of the works.

An aerial view of Weir Wood Reservoir

Wildlife at Weir Wood

On the southwest corner of Weir Wood Reservoir is a nature reserve that covers about 81 acres.

This reserve contains many important natural habitats for local wildlife. Past surveys have found over 250 species of bird at the reservoir, along with hundreds of varieties of plants, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies.

If you're an avid twitcher, there is a bird hide and viewing area overlooking the reserve and reservoir. 

Things to do Amenities & access
Activities Image

The Millennium Walk footpath runs from the water treatment works at the reservoir and joins a public footpath along the fence line. A picnic site offers spectacular views across the water about one kilometre west of the works.

The bird hide and viewing area are accessible from the Legsheath Lane car park. From here you can sit, relax, and try to spot different kinds of birds including reed bunting, whitethroat, kingfishers, and wading birds when the reservoir water levels are low enough.

Water sports - including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, open-water swimming and more - are available through the Weir Wood Sailing Club. If you're not a member, you can still book various training sessions. Visit Weir Wood's website for more information.

Weir Wood Reservoir contains many types of fish including pike, carp, bream, and perch. For more information on fishing at the reservoir, day tickets or becoming a member, please contact the Weir Wood Carp and Coarse Fishery.

On the north side of the reservoir, you'll find the Millennium Picnic Spot, a secluded area with views over the water.

Heading north on the A22, turn left onto Hindleap lane at Wych Cross. A little way down the road, head straight over the crossroads onto Legsheath Lane, the car park is on the right. 

Head north on the A22 towards Forest Row. In the centre of the village, turn left at the roundabout onto Priory Road. Turn right onto Weir Wood Road, following signs for the sailing club and keep on this road to reach the treatment works.

Please note this is an operational site and staff will need access 24 hours a day. 

Routes around the site offer a mix of footpaths, roads, and woodland trails that can become muddy after heavy rain. 

If after your walk you'd like to sit down and enjoy a nice meal or hot drink, the nearby village of Forest Row has a few eateries and cafés to choose from. 

Getting to Weir Wood

You can access the Millennium Walk footpath from our water treatment works.

An illustrated outline of a location marker with a 'P' in the middle

For Weir Wood Reservoir car park:

Legsheath Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 4JW 

For Weir Wood Waterworks visitor parking:

Weir Wood, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5HT