Furnace Brook
- Size
- 79 ha
- Regenerative Focus
- Regenerative Agriculture, Regenerative Fisheries, community regeneration
About this land node
Furnace Brook, located in Cowbeech near Hailsham, is a 20-acre regenerative hub where nature, community, and restoration meet. More than just a fishery, it’s a place where people gather to learn, connect, and co-create through environmental education, workshops, and volunteer initiatives. The site is home to a community interest company that supports biodiversity projects and local micro-enterprises, including a small-batch brewery. Guests can stay in eco-conscious accommodations that invite deeper connection with the land and each other. Whether through fishing, food, or shared restoration efforts, Furnace Brook fosters a sense of belonging and collective care for people and place.
Overview
- Project Vision
-
The intention is, through appropriate collaboration, Furnace Brook functions as a vibrant rural hub for arts, ecology, and micro-enterprises, where the land is actively managed to address the climate and ecological crisis and strengthen our connection with nature.
- Project Purpose
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The fundamental principle of Furnace Brook is to champion regenerative activities that benefit both the environment and future generations.
- Project Title
-
Furnace Brook
- Political Location
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Hailsham, United Kingdom
Ecology & biodiversity
- Ecosystem unity
-
broadleaved woodland
Climate & water
- Rainfall patterns
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Humidity with frequent rainfall, sunnier and dryer than other parts of the UK
- Average Rainfall
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650 mm
- Temperature Extremes
-
0°C
- Average Temperature
-
4–17°C
- Nearby water bodies
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Rivers, on site fish pond
People & history
- Recent land history
-
Furnace Brook, located in Cowbeech near Hailsham, East Sussex, boasts a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The area was once the site of Batsford Furnace, a medieval ironworks that utilized local clay, iron ore, and charcoal from surrounding woodlands. In 1978, archaeological excavations uncovered remnants of a wooden waterwheel and a blast furnace, highlighting the site's industrial past.
Regenerative practice
- Regenerative Focus
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Regenerative Agriculture, Regenerative Fisheries, community regeneration
- Regenerative Methodologies
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Permaculture Design, Agroecology, Rewilding and Habitat Restoration, Composting and Soil Building, Closed-loop Systems, Community-based Stewardship
- Environmental objectives
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Furnace Brook is dedicated to restoring local ecosystems through biodiversity enhancement, permaculture practices, and sustainable land management. It serves as a living model of regenerative ecology, where nature is not only protected but actively healed. The site promotes habitat creation, soil regeneration, and water stewardship to support long-term environmental resilience. These efforts are grounded in local action as part of a broader movement for planetary health.
- Community objectives
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Furnace Brook aims to build a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in connection to nature and one another. It offers opportunities for people to engage in environmental restoration, hands-on learning, and collective care through workshops, volunteering, and shared experiences. The site supports local micro-enterprises that contribute to a regenerative, community-led economy. At its core, Furnace Brook fosters belonging, participation, and stewardship for both people and place.
- Community engagement
-
Furnace Brook is managed through a community interest company focused on restoring our ecosystems, and our ‘mental ecosystems’ too. It's open to the public for walking, fishing, events, and courses. Collaborative efforts with local farmers extent the impact of their restoration endeavors.
- Economic Model
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Horticultural smallholding, a craft brewery, fish farm, overnight accommodations, and an events venue rental.
Visiting & links
- Nearest urban centres
-
7km North East of Halisham
- Website
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https://furnacebrook.co.uk/
- Visit Link
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https://furnacebrook.co.uk/accommodation/lodge/