On Tuesday at lunchtime there was a little do in the John Harvey Tavern as the Sussex Ouse Restoration Trust announced the launch of their new pamphlet, and Chairman Bob Draper explained the group’s vision. The group feel that the Ouse has over the years been sadly neglected and has become an eyesore in many places, revealing ugly mud flats during lower tide and becoming “little more than a brown and brackish expanse” during high tide. The river used to be a glorious and well-used thoroughfare. Between 1790 and 1812 it was developed to become navigable between Newhaven and Balcombe, with 19 locks controlling the level of water. It was used to transport chalk, lime and coal. Ironically the Ouse was used to transport the bricks that made Balcombe Viaduct: it was the birth of the railway line between London and Brighton/Lewes that signalled its death knell. River trade ceased, and pretty soon most of the locks became unworkable. The river went into decline.
Much of the Ouse was adapted to aid its navigability, and much of it still follows the same course; one of the reasons, it seems, that the area is so prone to flooding. SORT propose to restore the locks which would control the water to natural levels, and, in the group’s opinion, create a number of benefits to the community including improved access for walkers and cyclists; improved angling and boating facilities; educational opportunities; ecological enhancement; economic improvement of the river area and flood alleviation. The Trust are looking for funding partners, and if they find them will undertake a full feasibility study. It is worth paying them some attention (pick up a pamphlet from the Tourist Office, or visit their website). The Ouse is a sadly underused commodity in this area; and any proposals that will enhance flood alleviation should be carefully studied.