Valebridge Mill Pond drained after showing ‘signs of decline’ posing ‘potential risk of flooding downstream’
The Valebridge Mill Pond at Bedelands nature reserve in Burgess Hill, West Sussex is being converted into a ‘wetland habitat’, owners say.
Valebridge Mill pond at Bedelands nature reserve, just north of Burgess Hill, will not be refilled, the Heaseland Esate has confirmed.
The large Mill pond, popular among local walkers, will be converted into a managed wetland habitat, following emergency repairs to its dam.
The nature reserve is described by the Friends of Burgess Hill Green Circle as a “beautiful site, regularly enjoyed both by local residents and by visitors from further afield.”
The Heaselands Estate, who own the land have provided a statement regarding the ponds future.
They said: “A footpath closure has been obtained from the Council until the 4th October as the site is not safe for public access whilst remedial works are ongoing. If works are completed and the site is made safe prior to this date then the footpath will re-open at that point.
“The works were necessary as the dam was showing signs of decline, thus posing a potential risk of flooding downstream. In order for this work to be conducted, it was necessary to drain the lake. With the involvement of the Environment Agency and suitably qualified professionals within the industry, a fish recovery operation was conducted, and the fish have been relocated to another pond.
“The Estate had every intention of keeping the site as a lake, however, due to the volume of silt and additional installations required this became extremely impractical and costly. The land will now be managed as a wetland habitat, which we hope that the public will continue to enjoy, as well as provide environmental and ecological benefits to the local area.
“The Environment Agency have provided advice and recommendations throughout, and all necessary permits and consents were obtained.”
The footpaths surrounding the area are closed temporarily for public safety whilst dam remedial works take place.
A notice by West Sussex County Council reads: “Public footpath Nos. 93, 95 and 97. In the interest of public safety, use of this public footpath is temporarily prohibited due to dam remedial works.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We considered this permit application carefully to ensure that the works would not negatively impact the watercourse downstream.
“When complete, the works will allow for improved eel and fish passage upstream.”
The footpaths are expected to reopen on 4th October.