Aren't birds brilliant > Sites > Bewl water cruises

This season's highlights

Horrible weather may have greeted us at the start of this event but the great crested grebes didn't seem the slightest bit bothered!

Our telescope viewpoint was situated on the dam wall of the reservoir and we had two pairs of grebes vying for attention (and a nest site) not 200 yards away.

The wildlife cruises were the highlight of the project with fantastic, and very close-up, views of the grebe's courtship dances. Visitors on board the boat were treated to grebes in spectacular breeding plumage fishing, courting and even nest-building in the fringes of the reservoir - binoculars weren't even needed at times!

Other notable appearances included the first swallows, martins and swifts that all put on brilliant aerial displays over the water, and we were also treated to the sight of four kingfishers.

Bewl Water is also home to cormorants, gulls, waders and ducks so there were always plenty of birds to be amazed at.

Unfortunately, a combination of low visitor numbers and interest has led to the August session at Bewl Water being cancelled. For further information, please contact me on 07889 615727.

Kate Whitton, Aren't birds brilliant! Officer

Adult great crested grebeGet fantastic views of great crested grebes aboard 'The Swallow', and watch the many other birds that visit this reservoir through telescopes sited at the water's edge.

Bewl Water cruises

21 March to 24 March
5 to 20 April

Binoculars or telescopes available for useRSPB staff on hand to helpRefreshments availableCar parking availableToilets

Join us for a cruise on Bewl Water and learn more about the birds that live in and around south-east England's largest reservoir.

Once on board 'Swallow' you'll get up close to beautiful great crested grebes and many other fascinating water species.

When you get back on dry land, enjoy the birds through high-powered telescopes and binoculars set up at the water's edge.

As well as providing excellent views of waterfowl, from the viewpoints you'll also see plenty of woodland birds such as blackcaps, chiffchaffs and thrushes, and ground-nesting birds including skylarks and lapwings.

Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your questions about the site, and the many birds that make this reservoir their home.

Cruises last for 45 minutes. Please contact Swallow Cruises (details below) to book your place. Prices: Adult £4.50 Child (3-15 years) £3. There is also a £6 per car parking fee (Southern Water).

Wonderful day! Lovely view and birds.

Mr J Jones from Pembury

Opening times

Cruises run daily, 12 noon-1 pm and 3-4 pm. The viewpoints run daily, 11 am–5 pm.

Facilities

There are 10 pairs of binoculars and three telescopes available for you to use. You can also enjoy the Look-Out restaurant. Although the viewpoints are accessible by wheelchair, unfortunately, the cruises are not, unless the person can board without a wheelchair.

How to get there

Bewl Water is one mile south of the village of Lamberhurst on the Kent/Sussex border (south-east of Tunbridge Wells). Look for the brown tourist signs on the A21.

What should I bring?

Sun cream, binoculars if you have them and warm clothes if windy.

Enquiries

Telephone: To book your place on a cruise, call Swallow Cruises on 01892 890171. For general information about the project, contact RSPB South East Regional Office on 01273 775333.
E-mail: kate.whitton@rspb.org.uk

Why not make a day of it?

Nearby attractions that you may also like to visit:

Thanks to Swallow Cruises for kindly hosting the cruises. Thanks to the Hop Farm for allowing us to access to the site.