The Beating Heart
The Reservoir
The South East’s largest body of open water. A place of extraordinary natural beauty, rich history, and ever-changing seasons.
A Landscape Like No Other
Bewl Water sits in the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddling the Kent and East Sussex border. Created in 1975 to supply water to the surrounding region, the reservoir has since become one of the most important natural habitats in the South East.
Beneath the surface lies a drowned valley, farmland, orchards, and even parts of an old village swallowed when the River Bewl was dammed. On low-water days, traces of this hidden landscape occasionally resurface, drawing curious visitors year after year.
Above the waterline, 13 miles of shoreline wind through ancient woodland, open meadow, and quiet coves. The reservoir is surrounded by working farmland, ancient woodland and rolling vineyards making every walk a chance to spot something new.
Conservation & Water Management
The reservoir supplies drinking water to communities across Kent and East Sussex. Managed by Southern Water, the water levels rise and fall with the seasons, each change revealing different shoreline habitats and landscapes.
Southern Water publishes the latest Bewl Water level on its reservoir levels page, which it aims to update every week.
Conservation work across the estate protects nesting birds, maintains woodland corridors for wildlife, and preserves the delicate balance between public access and natural habitat.
The history of Bewl Water
- Brief History of BewlBewl Water reservoir, the largest inland expanse of water in the South East is now just over 40 years old. In part 1 of this brief history…Read the guide
- The past, present and future of Bewl WaterThe history of Bewl. Discover the past, present and future of Bewl Water and read what measures are in place for future sustainability.Read the guide
Ready to explore
Pick your route
Walk the 13-mile trail, discover the wildlife, or simply sit and watch the water. Bewl Water is a place that rewards every visit.