Work begins to create wetland in Lewes

The project will reduce the risk of flooding in the area

Diggers at new wetland centre
Author: Emma SmithPublished 13th Jun 2023

Work on a new wetland habitat in Lewes has started, with plans to realign the Cockshut Stream. The project will see biodiversity benefits and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.

Adjacent to the Lewes Brooks, the Cockshut is a three-kilometre chalk stream that flows from springs at the foot of the South Downs.

Currently, the Cockshut is clogged up by a non-native invasive plant called parrot’s feather.

The project will realign the stream so the old channel can be filled in and the problem plant removed. The stream will then flow into a newly created wetland of more than 6 hectares, to the east of the Stanley Turner Ground in Lewes.

Councillor Emily O’Brien, cabinet member for climate, nature and food systems, said: “It’s fantastic to see work taking place on this project which will not only enhance biodiversity, help with flood management and carbon storage.

“The area will be accessible too so that people can enjoy its natural beauty using new walkways and bridges.”

The project is a collaboration between Lewes District Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and others and is due to be completed by autumn.

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