Recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir
The first stage of our engagement process is complete. The applications received will now be reviewed by a panel of judges and applicants contacted individually about the outcome.
This summer, we invited community groups and businesses to express their interest in running a new recreational activity at Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex.
As well as a key source of drinking water, Arlington Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with more than 170 bird species, including overwintering wildfowl.
We were keen to hear from community groups which run a sustainable activity compatible with the special habitat and will encourage people to visit Arlington for years to come.
As the site is both a drinking water source and wildlife haven certain pursuits are not allowed.
These include those that:
- Create lots of noise
- Use boats or vehicles powered by petrol or diesel
- Take place within clearly-marked conservation areas of the site
- Use watercraft on the reservoir between 1 November and 31 March
- Allow swimming in the reservoir
- Are likely to damage the special features of the SSSI. (For example, the erection of permanent or temporary structures or the undertaking of engineering works, use of vehicles or craft likely to damage of disturb features of interest, recreational or other activities likely to damage game and waterfowl management.)
The application period has now closed and we'll update this page with more information when a decision has been made.
For any questions about the call for applications, please contact us via the 'ask a question' function.
To find our more about Arlington reservoir, visit our website.
The first stage of our engagement process is complete. The applications received will now be reviewed by a panel of judges and applicants contacted individually about the outcome.
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Applications welcomed for new recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir
Share Applications welcomed for new recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir on Facebook Share Applications welcomed for new recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir on Twitter Share Applications welcomed for new recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir on Linkedin Email Applications welcomed for new recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir linkCommunity groups and local businesses in East Sussex are being invited to express their interest in operating recreational activities at Arlington Reservoir.
South East Water is asking organisations and businesses to complete an application form if they are interested in operating an activity at the 100-hectare site near Polegate.
As well as a key source of drinking water, Arlington Reservoir is a Local Nature Reserve and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, with more than 170 bird species, including overwintering wildfowl. The habitat is also home to a wide range of other wildlife, including barn owls, kingfishers, bats, dormice, water voles, newts, dozens of butterfly species and visiting ospreys.
For these reasons, certain activities that could damage or disturb the wildlife or the environment cannot be operated on the site. These include pursuits that involve lots of noise, use boats or vehicles powered by petrol or diesel or those that require permanent or temporary structures on the land.
Emma Goddard, Head of Environment for South East Water, said: “Arlington Reservoir is a special environment with an abundance of nature and wildlife. We have a team of environmental experts working all year round to support growing biodiversity and environmental management projects at the site.”
“As well as protecting and enhancing the environment, we also want local people and visitors to explore and enjoy the site. With this in mind, we welcome expressions of interest from community groups and businesses that want to run sustainable activities that would be compatible with the special habitat.”
“We previously offered trout fishing at Arlington, but this stopped in 2020 due to falling membership numbers and a dramatic downturn in fishery income. Now we have a chance to work with the local community to find new activities that will encourage local people to visit Arlington.”
Application forms are available from the website at southeastwater.co.uk/reservoirs. The closing date for submission of the forms is 5pm on Friday 22 July.
