The southern end is a 74.5-hectare (184-acre) Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by South East Water.

[1][2] The reservoir feeds the River Ouse located in West Sussex, England 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Haywards Heath.

Ardingly Activity Centre[4] provides watersports for the public including wind surfing, kayaking, powerboating, paddleboarding and dinghy sailing as well the Black Hut Kiosk that serves drinks and snacks.

[6] The reservoir is a popular fishing venue offering 3 miles (5 km) of freshwater fishing for carp, tench, pike, roach, rudd, eel, gudgeon, European perch and bream.

The west bank of the reservoir is private property of the Balcombe Estate but the north, south and east shores offer public rights of way and bridleways.