What is the Heart of Reeds Project? Work began in September on the creation of a reed bed on Lewes Railway Land Local Nature Reserve. The creation of a reed bed designed by locally-based international artist Chris Drury taking the cross section of the human heart as its inspiration, is the theme for a new project located in the heart of Lewes on the former railway sidings now reclaimed and designated as an important urban fringe Local Nature Reserve. In consultation with the Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust and Lewes District Council, a reed bed has been designed as an area of water, reeds, islands and earth mounds; a living land sculpture visible in its entirety from the adjoining hill, but with access via board walks into the reed bed itself. The "double vortex" will be divided down the middle by the board walk. A system of sluices will enable water levels to be raised or lowered so the flow of spring water is constantly flushed through the reeds and out into the water meadows. The pattern is an organic rhythm which will only be visible at certain times of the year – from the viewing mound and from Chapel Hill. Within eight years it will become an organic element within the nature reserve – both beautiful and subtle. Heart of Reeds brings together art, science and ecology. It is a unique project which will be of great significance to Lewes and its people. The project is led by Lewes District Council in partnership with Lewes Railway Land Wildlife Trust, East Sussex County Council, the Arts Council of England and Viridor Waste Management.