Ashdown Forest

You may park in any of the 40+ designated car-parks scattered around the Forest. No vehicles may be parked on the Forest after midnight. Please make sure you lock your car and take any valuables with you.

Anywhere on the common managed by the Conservators plus Public Footpaths and Bridleways.

There are several places on the Forest - try the Duddleswell Tea-Rooms, the Hybrid Tea at Wych Cross Nurseries, the cafe at the Llama Park or the Ashdown Forest Garden Centre at Duddleswell. Click here to see our useful contacts page.

Yes, as long as it is under control and not annoying other Forest users or disturbing animals/birds. 

In England, the public have open access to 3,269 sq miles where most activities can take place, however, there are special rules for dog walkers which require dogs be kept on a lead of no more than 2 metres long between 1st March and 31st July - the main breeding period for ground-nesting birds or at any time of the year near livestock. Leads are specified as even the best trained dog may become unresponsive. Please see the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 about the control of dogs on common land which can be found be clicking here.

Please be aware that there are sheep in the grazing area from April to October and DOGS MUST BE ON A LEAD. There are also close hereded shepherded Hebridean sheep out all year round with our shepherd. The flock could be anywhere on the Forest, however, notices will be posted to warn you where they are. You can also check the Sheep Blog or call the Office. The shepherd welcomes visits from dog walkers - if your dog is on a lead please feel free to visit the flock.

Every year sheep are attacked and seriously maimed or often killed by dogs that are out of control on the Forest. A farmer has the right to shoot dogs seen attacking their sheep. 

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!
Yes, subject to obtaining a permit from the Office. Permits are either issued for six-months or one year.  Badge colours and numbers change annually. We are not currently able to issue day permits.

An annual permit runs from 1st April 2010 to 31 March 2011.  They do not run for a year from the date you take them out!

Badges returned by Monday 1st November 2010 will count as a ‘summer’ permit and will qualify for a partial refund as detailed under ‘permit fees’ on the application form.  There will be no refunds on badges returned AFTER Monday 1st November 2010.  Refunds will not be made under any other circumstances.   

Winter permits will from 31st September 2010 to 31 March 2011.

If you are renewing your permit please remember to return your old badge with your application form. Please note: the postage required is a second class large letter stamp.  This year we will not be paying the excess charges and the Post Office will open the letter and return it to you - this can take up to sis weeks.

Click here to download a riding permit application form for 2010-2011. Please attach a photocopy of your insurance with the permit. We are asking for evidence of insurance on the advice of our insurers.  All other activities, for which a charge is made, are alo asked to provide evidence of insurance.

Forms will begin to be processed and posted in the last week of March. Click here to see the location of car parks suitable for horse boxes (this is a large file). The complete Forest Map, which shows the fire braks that can be used for riding and the bridle path is available from the Forest Centre for £2.20.

There are several organisations which take out rides over the Forest. Click here to see our useful contacts page. Click here to go to the Ashdown Forest Riding Association and download an AFRA membership form.

No. The Conservators have decided that mountain-biking is an activity incompatible with maintaining the Forest as a quiet and natural area. (You can ride your bike along the Forest Way cycle route at Forest Row or at Deersleap Park, East Grinstead)

Sorry no. The Byelaws prohibit camping due to the problems of fire and litter.  However there are campsites nearby at St Ives Farm, Heaven Farm, Goldsmiths Recreation Ground Crowborough and Waspbourne Manor Farm near Sheffield Park. 

Picnics are fine; cooking stoves may be used in car-parks between July and December, when the fire risk tends to be low; barbeques are prohibited at all times due to the problem of disposal of hot coals.

Fliying is restricted to members the British Model Flying Association who hold a valid  membership card.  

Certainly. School groups are now taught by Sussex Wildlife Trust teachers rather than Forest Rangers. Please go to the home page and look at the education section or ring the Office for more information and prices.  

All organised events require permission from the Conservators; contact the Office.

All organised events require permission from the Conservators; contact the Office.

No, the Byelaws specifically forbid disturbance of the surface of the soil.

No, the only retailing allowed on the Forest is authorised by the Conservators and limited to ice-creams; the ice-cream licence comes up for tender every three years.

Cattle and sheep normally go out to graze on the Forest in early April and would normally come off again by Remembrence Sunday. Due to foot and mouth restrictions this may not always be the case. Please check with the office.

Very possibly. Commoners (people who have Rights of Common over the Forest) have a right of estovers (firewood) on the Forest. If you’re in doubt, ring the Office. To find out more about current arrangements for wood permits please visit the home page.