Introduction
Filsham Reedbed is owned by Hastings Borough Council and managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Filsham Reedbed is the largest reedbed in the county and its position within the expansive, largely intact Combe Haven SSSI wetland complex adds to its ecological importance on a regional scale.
It also forms part of an extensive band of varied semi-natural habitats, which encircles the western edge of Hastings, the west Hastings Prime Biodiversity area.
On a national scale Combe Haven SSSI is of outstanding ecological importance for its component habitats and species assemblages, with the fen vegetation and reedbed being nationally important habitats.
The terrestrial wet grassland invertebrates and diverse water beetle, dragonfly and plant communities of the ditch system, as well as the breeding bird population of the reedbeds, lowland wet grassland, open water and margins are all of national importance for nature conservation.
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Location
Hastings, East Sussex
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Grid Reference
TQ7709
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Habitat
Reedbed, reedfen, freshwater ponds and ditches
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Access
public footpath around west and south edge of reserve. 240m boardwalk from southern side of reserve into the reedbed. (Rest of reserve closed to the public to avoid disturbance to wildlife).
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Wildlife
Breeding bearded tits, cetti's warbler, water rail. Wintering bitterns and little egrets. Rare moths and beetles.
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Map of Filsham Reedbed
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Filsham Reedbed
Local Nature Reserve
