River Cuckmere
The River Cuckmere rises near Heathfield in East Sussex, England on the southern slopes of the Weald. The name of the river probably comes from an Old English word meaning fast-flowing, since it descends over 100 m (328 ft) in its initial four miles (6.4 km). Eventually flowing into the English Channel, it is the only undeveloped river mouth on the Sussex coast.
Description
The river has many tributaries at its upper end, the principal one being the River Bull; and its main channel begins at Hellingly. After crossing the Low Weald area of farmland, the Cuckmere cuts through the South Downs in its own valley. It reaches the English Channel at Cuckmere Haven, between Seaford and the Seven Sisters cliff face. The lower part of its course in the floodplain is marked by meandering, which is a well-known feature of the area. The Cuckmere Valley Nature Reserve is located in the lower estuary portion of the river. The valley is of very high importance for nature conservation. It has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is part of the South Downs National Park.
