Bewl Water

Bewl Water is a reservoir in the valley of the River Bewl, straddling the boundary between Kent and East Sussex in England. It is about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Lamberhurst, Kent.[1] The reservoir was part of a project to increase supplies of water in the area. It supplies Southern Water’s customers in the Medway towns, Thanet and Hastings.[2]

Bewl Water
A lake surrounded by trees
Bewl Water
Bewl Water is located in Kent
Bewl Water
Bewl Water
LocationKent/East Sussex
Coordinates51.06997°N 0.39508°E / 51.06997; 0.39508
Lake typereservoir
Basin countriesUnited Kingdom
Shore length120.4 km (12.7 mi)
SettlementsWadhurst
Websitewww.bewlwater.co.uk
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.
Bewl Water is located in Kent
Bewl Water
Bewl Water shown within Kent (grid reference TQ679328)

Work began to construct the reservoir in 1973 by damming and then flooding a valley. It was completed in 1975 having been filled with over 31,300 million litres of water. The project cost £11 million to build.[2] It is now the largest body[3] of inland water in South East England.

In winter, when the flow in the River Medway exceeds 275 million litres per day, river water is pumped to storage in the reservoir. There is an outline plan to raise the water level by a further 3m to increase the yield by up to 30% to help with the growing water demand in South East England. This will however put further demands on the River Medway to supply the additional water required with the potential for environmental degradation in the river and the eco-systems that it supports.

Leisure use

Bewl Water Outdoor Centre offers a wide range of training, team building and adventure opportunities,[4] on and around the reservoir. These include sailing and windsurfing (formerly through Bewl Valley Sailing Club, now through Bewl Sailing Association Ltd), rowing and sculling (through Bewl Bridge Rowing Club), Canoeing, Kayaking and Pedalo hire (through Bewl Canoe Club), and trout & predator fishing. Paddle Boarding is also available. Recent years has seen the introduction of the Bewl Water Aqua Park,[5] a floating obstacle course on the reservoir.

Away from the water, there are many walking and cycling routes around the 121⁄2 mile Round Reservoir Route.[6] Laser Challenge and camping packages can be booked, both with traditional camping pitches or more glamorous Mongolian Yurts available.

There is also a waterfront cafe and conference facility that is available for venue hire, including weddings.

References
  1. "Water companies warn parts of UK could see drought this summer after the driest winter in more than 20 years". The Daily Telegraph. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  2. "A brief history of Bewl Water". The Times of Tunbridge Wells. 13 April 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017.
  3. "Bewl Water | History & Visiting Information". Britain Express. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  4. "All about Bewl Water Country Park". Great British Life. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  5. "Bewl Water Aqua Park - The UK'S Best Wibit Outdoor, Floating, Inflatable Sports Aqua Park". Bewl Water Aqua Park - The UK'S Best Wibit Outdoor, Floating, Inflatable Sports Aqua Park. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  6. "WALKING, RIDING & CYCLING". bewlwater.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 September 2012.
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