Welcome to the Ashdown Forest news and events section, see below for the bulletins prior to 2017. Please be sure to review our exhibitions and events listings to see whats happening on the Forest.

For up-to-date news

Please join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/ashdownforestcentre/

BBC News Video's are here

NEWS & NOTICES 2019

• LAMBING

  Lambing season has now started.

  There are sheep lambing in fields in and around the Forest.  They are particularly vulnerable at this time and, with the recent increase in dog attacks, this is a worrying time for farmers and livestock owners.

  If you walk your dogs in the countryside, make sure that they are under control at all times.  If they are let off the lead, make sure they remain in your view at all times and that they will return to you when called. 

  There have been several instances of dogs escaping from gardens and running loose on the Forest and surrounding areas.  Please ensure your garden boundaries are secure and dog-proof.

  Take responsibility for your dogs.  If you are in any doubt of your ability to control or recall your dog, keep it on a lead.

• Fire Incidents - Statement from the Conservators of Ashdown Forest

• Notice of the election of commoner conservator

• The Ashdown Forest featured on BBC South East News on Friday 1st February, about the cuts to Council funding and how it will affect the work on the Forest. The news videos are here.

  We are piloting a new fundraising scheme asking visitors and local residents to contribute voluntarily to support Ashdown Forest and help with the preservation of our amenity spaces and car parks. The Conservators of Ashdown Forest need to raise funds for this work and for other charitable purposes on the Forest.

  If you would like to help, find out more here:
  http://easydonate.org/ASHD001

• The Annual Commoners Meeting is on Friday 1st March. Notice of Annual Meeting. Commoner Conservator Nomination Form

• In the early hours of Thursday 3rd January, the Forest Centre suffered a malicious break-in. Four vehicles have been extensively damaged and will take up to 14 days to repair.

  The lack of these vehicles means that our Rangers and countryside teams are having to reschedule their work and might have to change their plans at short notice in order to deal with any emergencies that occur during this time.

  We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the next couple of weeks

News and notices 2018

• easyfundraising

  Due in part to ever decreasing budgets and grant cuts we are piloting several fundraising schemes asking visitors to contribute voluntarily to support Ashdown Forest.

  Ashdown Forest is a unique and very special place for residents, local communities and visitors - 6,500 acres of protected heathland and woodland, paths, rides and trails, hidden gardens, waterfalls, streams and magnificent views to the North and South Downs.  The most recent Visitor Survey estimated that there were 4541 visits per day to Ashdown Forest with just a small staff team, supported by teams of volunteers, working to 'regulate and manage the forest as an amenity and place of resort and to conserve it as a quiet and natural area of outstanding beauty.’

  Our first initiative is easyfundraising, the UK's biggest charity fundraising site.  It's simple to use, and it's free.  easyfundraising turns your everyday online shopping into donations for your good cause, at no cost to you.  Once you've made a purchase the retailer will then make a small donation to your cause to say “thank you”.

  Join over 1.4 million people raising free donations at over 3500 shops and sites every day the easyfundraising way!

  Please register at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/

  Registration is easy with your email address or Facebook profile.  Search for the “Conservators of Ashdown Forest”.

  We appreciate all the support so many of you give us whether by volunteering, through donations or supporting events - we now ask you to add easyfundraising to help us further.  Thank you!

• Road Closure for Remembrance Sunday:

  Remembrance Sunday 11th November - Ashdown Forest Airman's Grave - First World War Centenary.
  Wealden District Council Road Closure Order.

  The Crowborough Road is closed to through traffic between 09:00hrs and 12:00hrs on Sunday 11th November 2018 that includes cyclists and horseboxes.
  Access only for vehicles parking for the Airman’s Grave.

• Orders now being taken for Ashdown Beef Boxes and Ashdown Hogget Boxes
• Second dog owner convicted for failing to keep her dog under control on Ashdown Forest
• Deer Programme Update 2017/18
• Volunteer Opportunity - Mapping Assistant - an opportunity to help with digitising and archiving official Forest maps
• Annual Report 2017/18
• From the High Weald AONB:

Information about the High Weald public consultation: www.highweald.org/public-consultation-2018

• A dog owner has been fined £1000 after her husky attacked and killed a sheep in Ashdown Forest

News, media stories and notices 2016

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2016 - The Conservators of Ashdown Forest has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for voluntary service a group can receive in the UK. More information and photos can be viewed here.

• Wakehurst Place plays host to Ashdown Forest sheep: read more here
• Black panther spotted in Ashdown Forest: read more here
• Discover Winnie-the-Pooh Country: read more here
• Review of governance arrangement for Ashdown Forest: read more here

News, media stories and notices 2015

• "Dog owners to blame" after sheep mauled to death on Ashdown Forest: read more here
• Farmer shoots dead black labrador for killing 3 sheep and injuring another: read more here
• Dog shot by farmer after 4 sheep killed on Ashdown Forest: read more here
• Fire crews battle Ashdown Forest gorse blaze: read more here
• Ashdown Forest Centre undergoes £2million improvements project: read more here
• Big cat sightings in Ashdown Forest may be missing greyhound: read more here

Learn more