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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 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 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 horses and sheep.  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 have had many complaints recently from both visitors and Forest staff about the amount of dog poo to be found on the Forest particularly around car parks and popular picnic areas. Could we make a plea for all dog walkers to pick up after their pets!  Poo bags are readily available, so there really is no excuse. Please, please don't leave the full poo bags on the ground or hanging from bushes - take it away with you - thank you!