Funders, volunteers and members of the community local to the East Sussex reserve were able to walk the new nature trail and see some of the early work, such as the restoration of a 19th Century pond.
“Establishing a major new nature reserve like this is only possible with the skills and support of a huge number of people and organisations,” said Chris Corrigan, the RSPB’s South East Regional Director. “It is nice to have been able to show so many people the fruits of their labours so far.”
“We are especially grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund, both for support towards the site’s acquisition and more recently towards its development through the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, to GrantScape through their 2006 Biodiversity Challenge Fund, who supported the acquisition and are funding ongoing habitat works, and to WARR Leader+ for providing vital funding.”
Broadwater Warren’s Importance
Broadwater Warren has long been identified by the RSPB as having the best potential for crucial heathland restoration on the Weald Forest Ridge. It also has large and important areas of ancient woodland and mire. The Weald Forest Ridge is the highest ridge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; one of England's ‘Finest Landscapes’. Within the Ridge are the remnants of the Weald’s four largest medieval forests, including Broadwater Warren; valuable heathy open spaces; the South East’s only sandstone rock outcrops; historic parks and gardens; and ancient iron workings.
More to Come
The final details of the RSPB’s habitat restoration plans at Broadwater Warren will be confirmed at the conclusion of the Environmental Impact Assessment process later this autumn.
Visitor Access
The reserve, which is two miles east of Groombridge, is open to the public to come and walk the quiet nature trails. The car park is open daily. For more information, see: www.rspb.org.uk/broadwaterwarren
