Main menu:


Ashdown Forest The Web

Welcome to Ashdown Forest

Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh.

The Forest is at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has national and international protection because of its wildlife. Nearly two thirds of its 6500 acres (2500 hectares) are heathland, amounting to 2.5% of the UK's extent of this rare habitat. The Forest Centre is the headquarters of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest who are responsible for the managing the Forest. To learn more of this fascinating place, please click here or use the menu above to navigate the site.

Enjoy the Forest

Use the links below to find out more about how you can make the most out of your visit to the Ashdown Forest or call us on 01342-823583.

Using the Forest for activities and events

Because Ashdown Forest is such a beautiful location we often receive requests from individuals and organisations wanting to use the Forest for a wide variety of fundraising events and commercial activities.  All events, for example, sponsored walks and orienteering and other activities, such as model aircraft flying and riding, require written permission. Click here to find out more. Commercial activities such as filming for movies, television and still photography also require written permission, please call the Office for more information. Finally, estate agent boards and builders advertising boards require permisson before they are erected, click here to download an application form. 

Please help the Forest - be a responsible dog owner!

Please keep your dogs under control.  If your dog does not have good recall please keep it on a lead, especially near livestock.  There have been several incidents recently of dogs harrassing horses and riders.  One irresponsible owner was taken to court and had to pay a substantial fine and costs.

We are still having many complaints from visitors about the amount of dog poo to be found particularly around car parks and popular picnic areas. Please pick up after your pets!  Poo bags are very cheap so there really is no excuse.  We are sometimes asked why there are no poo bins available. Providing dog poo bins in our 40+ car parks is just not viable - it costs £4.40 per bin per week for emptying. So, please, please - double wrap it and take it away with you please don't leave the full poo bags on the ground or hanging from bushes - thank you!