Top 8 Lakes around Storrington And Sullington

Among the most popular lakes are Knepp Estate Lake, known for its rewilding project and diverse wildlife, and Swanbourne Lake, a picturesque spot near Arundel Castle offering walks and boating. Visitors also appreciate Burton Mill Pond and Mill, a historic hammer pond with significant wetland habitats.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Swanbourne Lake offers leisurely walks, rowing boat hires, and opportunities to feed waterfowl, with a tearoom nearby. Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite provides a comprehensive family experience with fishing, woodland walks, and various accommodation options. Knepp Estate Lake is also family-friendly, offering educational experiences about rewilding and wildlife spotting.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Knepp Estate Lake, part of a rewilding project, is home to rare species like nightingales, peregrine falcons, and purple emperor butterflies, alongside free-roaming deer, cattle, ponies, and pigs. At Burton and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve, you can find 24 species of dragonflies, including the rare hairy dragonfly, as well as bats, wildfowl, and water lilies. Goose Green Complex is known for diverse bird species like Blue, Great & Long Tailed Tits, Tree Creepers, Nightingales, and Buzzards.

Absolutely. Burton Mill Pond and Mill is a significant historical site, featuring an atmospheric hammer pond and a mill building dating from around 1780. This area is part of a Local Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Patching Pond is another historic, man-made lake mentioned in the Domesday Book. Additionally, Swanbourne Lake offers captivating views of Arundel Castle and the 18th-century folly Hiorne's Tower.

Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. For example, hiking routes like the 'Kithurst & Chantry Hill loop' or cycling routes such as 'View of Stopham Bridge – Greatham Bridge loop from Storrington' are popular. Many of these routes pass by or near the beautiful lake areas.

Yes, some lakes offer accessible options. Swanbourne Lake has generally flat pathways, with dog-friendly stiles and a shorter wheelchair-friendly path. Hurston Lane Fishery provides designated accessible swims for less-able members, making it suitable for a relaxed fishing experience. Sumners Ponds Fishery also features accessible fishing platforms.

The area is excellent for fishing enthusiasts. Hurston Lane Fishery offers three distinct ponds (Tench, Middle, Match) stocked with various fish like Tench, Crucian Carp, and Bream, catering to different skill levels. Goose Green Complex boasts six lakes known for pleasure and match fishing. Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite features five well-stocked lakes with a wide range of fish, including Carp exceeding 30lbs, Barbel, Chub, Tench, Bream, Roach, and Perch.

The lakes offer beauty year-round, but the best time often depends on your preferred activity. Spring and summer are ideal for boating at Swanbourne Lake and enjoying the vibrant wildlife, especially for birdwatching and spotting dragonflies. Autumn provides stunning foliage for walks, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp lakeside strolls. Fishing is generally good throughout the year at dedicated fisheries.

Yes, there are options for refreshments and accommodation. Swanbourne Lake has a tearoom by the boathouse. Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite offers a cafe and a shop, along with various accommodation options from camping pitches to lodges. The Knepp Estate also has a Wilding Kitchen and shop offering local produce. Many local pubs and cafes can be found in nearby towns like Storrington and Arundel.

Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. For instance, the pathways around Swanbourne Lake include dog-friendly stiles, and the extensive Arundel Park nearby welcomes dogs. When visiting nature reserves or rewilding projects like Knepp Estate Lake, it's advisable to keep dogs on leads to protect wildlife, especially free-roaming animals.

Knepp Estate Lake is part of a globally recognized rewilding project. Since 2001, the estate has transformed from intensive farming to a process that restores and regenerates nature. This has led to a remarkable increase in biodiversity, with rare species and free-roaming animals like deer, cattle, ponies, and pigs. It offers an inspiring and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.

Burton Mill Pond is an atmospheric hammer pond with a rich history, dating back to the late 16th century when it powered a forge, and later a corn mill. It's part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognized nationally for its wetland habitats, rare plants, birdlife, and invertebrate populations. The historic water-powered milling machine has been restored and is open to visitors on specific weekends.