Ashdown Forest

Volunteers are very welcome on the Forest! At the moment they help the Conservators in a variety of capacities.

Information Volunteers
Our Information Volunteers work in our Information Barn. This is manned entirely by our excellent volunteers who help visitors with their general enquiries, about where to go for a walk, answer questions about aspects of the Forest and support the running of an information and amenity service for our visitors.

Volunteers also sell goods such as cards, books and maps, and we have an electronic cash till and a credit card reader (both are very easy to use and training will be given).  

We are currently looking for more Information Volunteers!!

Training is given in a minimum of three one to one sessions with an experienced volunteer, usually on a Saturday or Sunday, followed by a minimum of one weekday 'solo' flight with support.

Conservation Volunteers
Our Conservation Volunteers come out on the last Sunday of every month (except August and December and Bank Holiday weekends) to undertake practical tasks on the Forest.

The group meet at 10.15 at the Forest Centre leave the Centre at 10.30 am sharp.  They return at around 2.30 – 3pm depending on the weather, task and enthusiasm!  Tools are provided but volunteers need to wear appropriate clothing (tough shoes and gardening gloves essential), to bring a packed lunch and a drink.  All ages come along, including those doing schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh.  Friendly dogs are welcome too!

In the last year this has included clearing rhododendron from woodland, pulling up small Scots pines invading heathland and clearing footpaths in the 'lost wild garden' of Chelwood Vachery - where much future effort will be concentrated.

Volunteer Rangers
Our Volunteer Rangers work at weekends only and support the professional Duty Ranger. Common tasks are to help visitors on the Forest, pick up litter or fly-tipping, and report any incidents to the Duty Ranger. Some look at such activity as a useful addition to their cv as they seek a career in countryside management. We are currently oversubscribed with Volunteer Rangers and are operating a waiting list.

Volunteer Rangers - Mounted
We are looking for Volunteer Rangers who can ride and have their own horse to assist the Rangers with the tasks detailed above at week-ends and during the week.  Common tasks would be talking to riders who use the Forest without permits (handing out riding application forms etc) and to cyclists who are breaking byelaws.  
 
If you would like more information on volunteering then please contact the Forest Centre or watch this website.