Ashdown Forest

About

Experience the spectacular scenery of the ancient Royal Hunting Forest. Ashdown Forest is a large open area of heathland together with pine, birch and oak woodland in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is famous as the setting for the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ stories written by A. A. Milne. A walkers’ paradise, visitors are free to walk wherever they like with over 80 miles of footpaths. There are plenty of secluded picnic areas and car parks (parking charges apply). You will be sure to enjoy the tranquillity of this magic and mystical place.

The wildlife and landscape of Ashdown Forest enjoys national and international legal protection and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Forest is also classified internationally as a Special Protection Area for wild birds, and a Special Area of Conservation for the heathland habitat.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Ashdown Forest Centre on Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, East Sussex, (RH18 5JP).

Here, you will find toilets, the Information Barn, where you can pick up a map or walking leaflet, and a café, fully equipped with fairtrade coffee and fresh traybakes.

The Visitors Centre - a threshing barn thought to predate 1750 - is known for its many wonderful attributes and charm, and more recently by locals for the popular ‘Winters Day’ event which is held there each December. Local groups sing in choirs, sell produce and art from stalls, while the Ranger team sell Christmas trees and children partake in craft activities.

If you are looking for the best time of year to visit, summer when the heather is in full bloom, or winter for this special event, are great choices!

If you are visiting with a dog, please be sure to keep paws on paths to help protect the Forest’s rare species of ground nesting birds. Thank you!

Want to know more?

Head to the official Ashdown Forest Website: https://ashdownforest.org/

Contact Conservators@ashdownforest.org or call 01342 823583 for general enquiries.

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