Ashdown Forest
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You are entitled to walk
anywhere on the common land of Ashdown Forest at any time. The
“common land” is that area managed by the
Conservators and is best identified by reference to the Forest Map and
Guide which can be obtained from the Forest Information Centre (priced
£2.20). If you
don’t have a map, it is generally safe to assume that if you
walk out from any Forest car-park you will remain on the Forest until
you come to a boundary fence. A notable exception is the grazing
enclosure fence but it is usually clear that the land on the other side
of the fence is a continuation of the common land.
All Forest activities are subject to the constraints imposed by the Ashdown Forest Act 1974 and the Byelaws made under the Act. Frequently asked questions
about what you may do on Ashdown Forest
You may park in any of the
fifty 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 (01825 712126), 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 that 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. Yes, subject
to obtaining a
permit from the Office. Permits are either issued for 6 month or one
year.
Annual permits run from 1 April to 31 March.
Six month permits run from 1 April to 31 October or 31 October to 31 March. We are not currently able to issue day permits. If you are renewing your permit please remember to return your old badge with your application form. The postage required is a second class large letter stamp. Anything less than that tends not to be delivered or there is an excess charge made by the post office! Click here to download a riding permit application form. Forms will be processed and posted in the last week of March. The Forest Map, which shows the rides and bridle paths is available from the Forest Centre. 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. 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)
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 of the Sky Larks Aircraft
Society and to members of the British Model Flying Association who
hold a valid membership card. For more details click here.
Certainly. It would be a good
idea to ring the Office beforehand where you may be offered assistance
in organising your visit and reassured that two groups aren’t
planning to meet in the same place at the same time!
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 wood permits click here.
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