About the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels
The River Cuckmere rises in the High Weald of East Sussex and flows through the South Downs before reaching the English Channel at Cuckmere Haven.
The wider catchment is made up of three sub-catchments: the Cuckmere, the Pevensey Levels and the Combe Haven. It includes rural landscapes across the High and Low Weald, as well as the iconic South Downs National Park.
The catchment is also home to Hailsham and the coastal towns of Seaford, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings. These rivers and wetlands are an important part of the landscape, supporting wildlife, farming, local communities and places to enjoy nature.
Why the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels matter
The Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels catchment is rich in wildlife, habitats and history.
The upper catchment is shaped by ancient woodlands, which have helped protect the headwaters for hundreds of years. These woodlands support plants and wildlife that depend on stable, undisturbed water systems.
The catchment also includes the Pevensey Levels, a 4,300-hectare grazing marsh and one of the most important wetland areas in southern England. This nationally and internationally important landscape supports a wide range of wildlife, including the fen raft spider.
The River Cuckmere also has a fascinating history. Cuckmere Haven played an important role in 19th century smuggling routes and was a strategic coastal location during the Second World War.
Wallers Haven on the River Cuckmere © Mike Richardson
Challenges facing the catchment
Like many rivers and wetlands, the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels face pressures from pollution, habitat loss, flooding and impacts on fisheries.
These challenges affect water quality, wildlife and the wider health of the catchment. By working across the whole landscape, we can help restore habitats, improve river health and support a more resilient future for people and nature.
Our work in the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels
We host the Cuckmere and Pevensey Levels Catchment Partnership, bringing together organisations and stakeholders who can help improve the health of the river and wider catchment.
Our work focuses on supporting healthy rivers, wetlands and habitats, while helping partners and communities take action for the places they care about.
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Join local walks, volunteer days, citizen science activities and community events to connect with rivers and help nature thrive.
