David Burr, a photographer, has reignited debate over a mysterious image he captured in 2014 that appears to show a large feline swimming across Bewl Water reservoir on the Kent-Sussex border. Burr, who was taking weather and sunset pictures for stock image agency Alamy, initially did not notice anything unusual in the photograph. It was only after viewing the image at 100% magnification while checking for defects that he spotted what he describes as a cat-like animal in the water beyond a group of ducks.
Photographer's Conviction
Burr remains convinced the photograph shows a large cat swimming across the reservoir. 'I remain convinced that this is the only record of a large feline swimming in UK,' he said. The image first attracted attention in 2014, with coverage from BBC Sussex Radio, BBC South East Today, and the Daily Star. However, it was met with scepticism and ridicule from some quarters.
Expert Skepticism
Survival expert Ray Mears and broadcaster Chris Packham concluded the object in the water was a grebe rather than a large cat. Burr disputes this explanation, saying, 'OK then it's a giant 6ft grebe?' He also noted that forensic image specialists at Amped Software examined the photographs and found no evidence of manipulation. 'I am a straight honest photographer and would not even know how to use photoshop or whatever to manipulate pictures,' Burr added.
Renewed Interest
Burr rediscovered material related to the sighting while clearing old files from his computer and decided to contact The Express after seeing fresh reports about alleged big cat sightings in Britain. Interest in the phenomenon has been fuelled by recent reports of sightings in Wales, where witnesses claim to have seen large cat-like animals roaming in rural areas. Alleged big cat sightings have been reported across the UK for decades, though experts argue many can be explained by misidentification, unusual viewing conditions, or domestic animals. No conclusive evidence has emerged proving the existence of a population of large wild cats in Britain.
Ongoing Debate
For Burr, the Bewl Water image remains one of the strongest pieces of evidence linked to the mystery. More than a decade after he took the photograph, he still believes it shows a large feline making its way through the reservoir. Whether the image depicts a big cat, a bird, or something else entirely remains a matter of debate, but the photograph continues to divide opinion among believers and sceptics alike.
