Combe Haven Site of Special Scientific Interest

This extensive site on the eastern end of the Borough, and extending into Rother District, contains a rich diversity of habitat types.

Combe Haven SSSI is of outstanding ecological importance for its component habitats and species assemblages. Nationally important habitats include fen vegetation, alluvial meadows and reedbed. Filsham reedbed is one of the largest reedbeds in East Sussex and carries a rich community of breeding birds.

The alluvial meadows and the drainage ditches which dissect them are the remnants of a once much more extensive marshland which developed on river alluvium over Ashdown sandstones. Filsham reedbed has colonised poorly drained, ungrazed marsh and a small lagoon is present within the reedbed. Two areas of mixed tall fen communities are also present within the site.

Woodlands have developed on higher ground over Wadhurst Clay and support several unusual plants. The reed bed in particular is valuable for breeding, wintering and passage birds. The invertebrate fauna includes rare and scarce dragonflies and an important wetland moth population.

For a full site description and SSSI citation visit Natural England.

Find out more about Filsham Reedbed Local Nature Reserve.