Bewl Water

Bewl Water

Bewl Water is a reservoir in the valley of the River Bewl (which is a tributary of the River Teise), straddling the boundary between Kent and Sussex. It is about two miles south of Lamberhurst. The reservoir was part of a project to increase supplies of water in the area. It supplies customers in the Medway towns, Thanet and Hastings amongst others.

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 7,000 million gallons of water. It is now the largest body of inland water in the south-east.

In winter, when the flow in the River Medway exceeds 60 million gallons per day, river water is pumped to storage in the reservoir. There is an outline plan to raise the water level by a further 10 ft to increase the yield by up to 30% to help with the growing water demand in the south-east. 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.

The reservoir in common with most large clean water lakes, is host to a large variety of wildlife.

Leisure use

Many recreational activities such as sailing and windsurfing at Bewl Valley Sailing Club as well as rowing, trout fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking and walking take place on and around the reservoir (via a 12½ mile Round Reservoir Route for cyclist and walkers).

There is also a passenger boat, and a restaurant, conference facility and gift shop.

Outside links

• Location map: 51°4’12"N, -0°23’42"E
• Bewl Water
• Bewl Water Outdoor Centre
• Bewl Canoe Club
• Bewl Canoe Club facebook page
• Bewl Valley Sailing Club
• Bewl Bridge Rowing Club
• Bewl Water Reservoir water level