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.

Using the Forest for activities and events

Because Ashdown Forest is such a beautiful location we often receive requests from individuals and organisations 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.  

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.

Help Needed with a Mystery Location! - A painting entitled 'Forest Farm, Nutley', was recently brought to the Forest Centre for identification. It was purchased in Bristol in the mid 1970s. The artist is Arthur Willett who lived in Brighton and is known for his Sussex subjects. The painting shows a lovely view of the Forest but we don't know where it is! Please click here and here to have a look, and, if you know the location get in touch using the E-mail us buttton on the left - we would love to hear from you!