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About
Forest Garden Shovelstrode, located on the edge of Ashdown Forest in Sussex, was created in 2010 by Charles & Lisa Hooper as a place for people to escape their busy lives and re-connect with nature. Guests can really unwind in a beautiful Yurt or Log cabin within a secluded woodland surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the flora and fauna.
Charles & Lisa also teach people different ways of living more self sufficiently and lowering their carbon footprint through a variety of traditional woodland craft courses. The centre piece is a Forest Garden where an abundance of useful, and mostly edible, plants are grown within the seven canopy layers. The fruits of their labour are then harvested and supply the Forest Garden Shop with delicious home made jams, jellies and chutneys.
There are only 2 luxury Yurts and 4 log cabins located in their own secluded area of the woodland, each with 2 x double beds. Guests will enjoy in the calm and meditative atmosphere of the ancient woodland formerly known as ‘Anderida Forest’.
The Yurts & cabins sleep between 2 and 5 people. Each has a twin gas ring cooker, log burner, outside fire pit with grill and are located between 50-80m apart ensuring seclusion.
The centre piece is the creation of the Forest Garden, a low-maintenance and sustainable food production system based on companion-planting, which incorporates a variety of perennial fruits, nuts, shrubs and herbs grown within the seven canopy layers. (An acre of Forest Garden can sustain up to 10 people.)
A magical woodland eco-retreat nestled on the edge of Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie the Pooh. A place to escape, unwind, and soak up the forest atmosphere
Luxury glamping accommodation in beautifully appointed traditional Yurts and rustic Log Cabins. Ideal for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a group break. Woodland craft courses, activities, therapies & treatments are also available.
We are passionate about the natural environment. The site has been designed adopting the principles of Permaculture, and we demonstrate different ways of lowering our carbon footprint and living more self sufficiently.
Guests enjoy the simple pleasures of cooking over a camp fire under the stars, seeing and hearing the abundant flora and fauna, picnicking in the woods or enjoying the many spectacular walks in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The hot power showers and proper flushing loos are located beside the café, just a short stroll from each yurt & cabin (50-150m).
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Advance booking essential
- Visa/Mastercard/Switch accepted - Booking via our website accepts most cards
Catering
- Barbecue
- On-site catering
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for groups
Languages
- Staff fluent in French
Leisure Facilities
- Cycles for hire - From a local company offering this service
- Fishing - Local fishing places nearby
- Golf available (onsite or nearby) - Nearby at various golf clubs
- Health/beauty facilities onsite - Massage available on request
- Pony trekking/horse-riding - On Ashdown forest
Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities
- Facilities for corporate hospitality
Occupancy
- Sleeps up to 4
Parking
- Free Parking
- Free Parking on Site
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted - One well trained dog on a lead per unit
- Wood Burner
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Eco-Friendly
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Approaching from the north
From the M25 take the A22 to East Grinstead. On arrival into East Grinstead, take the A264 to Tunbridge Wells, passing the Queen Victoria Hospital on your left. After about 1/2 mile, the road opens and straightens out, showing the national speed limit sign, and after another 400m take the next right hand turning into Shovelstrode Lane, signposted to Ashurtwood/Forest Row. Forest Garden is about 1/2 mile down this road on the left hand side. There is a post and rail fence with a large carved wooden sign ‘Forest Garden Shovelstrode’ and a bollard with an "F" on it. The gate will be closed but not locked. Please unlatch the gate (there is a hand sanitiser next to the gate) and then close it behind you and park in the car park. You can then collect a wheelbarrow beside the clay oven. Approaching from the south Take the A22 through to Forest Row. About 500m after leaving Forest Row, take a right hand fork signposted to Ashurstwood which goes up Wall Hill Rd. After 1/3 mile take a sharp right at the small War Memorial and then the next left hand turning (approx 50m) down Maypole Lane. Drive down through the village and continue for ½ mile, following the road round the sharp right hand bend. The road then straightens out for 300m and Forest Garden Shovelstrode will be on your right hand side, marked by a post and rail fence, a large carved wooden sign and a bollard with an "F" on it. The gate will be closed but not locked. Please unlatch the gate (there is a hand sanitiser next to the gate)and then close it behind you and park in the car park. You can then collect a wheelbarrow beside the clay oven.
Public Transport Directions
Train from London Victoria to East Grinstead. From there taxis are readily available. Journey takes about 8 minutes and costs anywhere between £8 - £12. There is a bus stop in Ashurstwood, about a mile away from the site which can take you to Crawley or Brighton.
