Nature Walks
Walking in the countryside is a great way to keep fit and healthy and learn more about the environment we live and work in.
South East Water promotes access to walks at its Arlington and Ardingly reservoir sites, in Sussex, for people of all ages.
The walks have way markers at regular intervals to provide facts and information on the surrounding habitat, and information leaflets are also available in the car parks.
Arlington Reservoir (Osprey Trail)
The Osprey Trail is a four-kilometre, circular route which provides an hour’s leisurely walk in a small area of Arlington Reservoir, in a tranquil position close to the South Downs.
To use the trail, follow the numbered posts – the Osprey will guide you.
The three ponds at Arlington attract many kinds of wildlife from large birds such as heron to the smallest microscopic organisms.
The pond-dipping platform provides a perfect stage for visiting school groups and our bird feeding area allows you to feed and observe many species of wildfowl.
Two barn owl boxes have been erected on telegraph poles to create roosting and nesting habitats for protected and nationally rare barn owl populations.
Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead at all times.
How to get there:
Address: Arlington Reservoir, Berwick, near Polegate, East Sussex
Telephone: 01323 870810
Directions: Situated approx 1/2 of a mile off the A27 Lewes to Eastbourne Road, signposted to Berwick.
Ardingly Reservoir (Kingfisher Trail)
The Kingfisher Trail is approximately eight kilometres in length, taking about three hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Unfortunately there isn’t a circular walk around the reservoir, but the neighbouring area can be explored using the local network of footpaths and bridleways.
Apart from its main function to store water, the beautiful tranquil setting at Ardingly Reservoir is an important area for activities such as walking, riding, angling, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and studying the abundant wildlife.
To use the trail, follow the numbered posts - the Kingfisher will guide you.
There are displays in the bird hides to help you identify the birds. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on a lead at all times.
The first half of the trail is suitable for wheelchair access.
How to get there:
Address: Ardingly Activity Centre, The Lodge, Ardingly Reservoir, West Sussex, RH17 6SQ
Directions: Ardingly Reservoir is situated off the B2028, Haywards Heath to Ardingly Road. Follow the signs to the reservoir.