Friston Pumping Station

Image: © Simon Carey Taken: 16 Nov 2013

The valley to the west of Friston has long been a source of water for local communities with large aquifers present underground. At the end of the Victorian period an adit 4.5km long was dug and a pumping station built to help serve the water needs of the nearby growing resort of Eastbourne. The original building was originally located to the south of the current one which was built in 1930 to replace it. To protect its sources of water from contamination from pesticides and fertilisers the Eastbourne Water company began planting the surrounding Friston Forest in 1926 though this project was halted in 1939 as some of the land reverted to agricultural use or was used for military training. The planting resumed after the war and has resulted in a forest that covers an area of 795 hectares. It is managed by the Forestry Commission who in turn has made much of it open access to the public with a variety of paths and tracks open to the walking and cycling members of public. Horse riding off the public bridleways, however, is limited to permit holders.

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