James BWUK Legacy

19/08/2026

Please Follow this New Blackwater UK page 🤎🍂

BlackwaterUk

As we all know aquariums are beneficial to us, in regards to mental health, stress reduction and a sense of calm. Taking a walk amongst nature can help do the same, from the sounds of the birds, the fresh air and the smells of the fauna. Who knows you maybe that calm & relaxed you find a little bit of inspiration, be it from an exposed root system of a fallen tree, a river or stream, even a bunch of leaves.

07/08/2026

🍂🤎 ANNOUNEMENT 🤎🍂

I was going to wait until this evening but....

We are very pleased to announce that Nick Bazeley@ will be taking ownership of Blackwater UK as of today.

We still have to exchange details of the website, and of course, all the stock, before he can start selling the botanicals again.

Nick will also have to set up new socials (facebook & instagram accounts) as unfortunately these Blackwater UK accounts are attached to James' socials, but Nick will provide details of them soon, so that you can start following them.

Once Nick is up and running, I know he will be able to do James justice and keep James' legacy of creating natural blackwater environments for our aquatic creatures going. He has the knowledge and experience behind him and he was good friends with James, so understands how James felt about sustainability and the environment. We are also looking forward to seeing Nick put his own thoughts and making his own stamp on the business.

Thank you all again for all the support you have given River, Dakota and I, and I hope you can continue your support and welcome Nick (and Joanne, his wife) as the new owner(s) of Blackwater UK. 🤎🍂

🤎🍂🤎🍂




Aquariums botanicals fish tannin blackwater aquarium

05/08/2026

Hi Everyone, unfortunately, I have been struggling to keep up with everything the past year and a half since James passed, and since being back from Disney, I have found myself in a dark place.

The company I worked at for 25yrs, declined another flexiable working request (3 since James died) and with River starting University and Dakota starting school in September, the stress of being able to manage the staggered part time starts with Dakota, and all the school holidays on my own, with no flexiable working support from the company, caused me to have anxiety/panic attacks and into a depressed mood.

On top of struggling to be present for Dakota (and River), doing the cooking, cleaning, gardening, shopping, water changes on the tanks etc and anything else that comes up, it has all been too much, that Blackwater UK keeps being neglected which has made me feel like I have been failing James and my girls.

It has caused me to make some big decisions, which I must admit, once I had made them, they have lightened the mental load hugely and I know I have/am doing the right things.....

1. I submitted my letter of resignation on Friday via email to my works - I have no job to go into currently but im sure I will find something (looking for something term time only).

2. I am also selling the stock (and Blackwater UK) to somone who will have the passion and knowledge it deserves. I will give you all more information soon, once it has been confirmed on their end. 🤎

I will put a note on the website to say that no orders will be sent out for a while as we will need time to transfer everything over. So stay tuned. 🍂

I will be keeping our tanks going, as I love them, so will still be apart of the amazing fish keeping community but its time for me to admit I was out of my depth and have been struggling to stay above the water.

If anyone wants to follow me personally to stay up to date with us my page is Leah Sheen

I will keep you updated on here with regards to hopefully an amazing new start for Blackwater UK. 🤎🍂

23/06/2026

24/05/2026

Layers. The build-up of twigs, leaves, and other materials creates a haven for microscopic life, which, in turn, makes it interesting for your livestock.

Keeping on adding botanicals responsibly will only help towards this.

We owe it to our fish to make an environment that they would see in nature.

10/05/2026

06/05/2026

The girls and I have just got back from a well needed 2wks away to DisneyWorld.

James and I took River (our eldest daughter) with my mum and dad back in 2017. So after my dad passing away in Nov 2021 (just two weeks before Dakota was born), and then with losing James so suddenly, I decided life is too short, so using some of the life insurance, I wanted to make sure Dakota went at least once.

So I booked the holiday back in May for my mum, myself, River, Dakota and Aidan (Rivers partner).

Thank you to everyone who have continued to support and buy from Blackwater UK - River and I are still learning as we go, as we are determined (although struggling) with gaining as much knowledge as James had. I wish James was here to see how amazing the aquarium/fish/blackwater community has been.