Welcome to Ashdown Forest

Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh.

The Forest is at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has national and international protection because of its wildlife. Nearly two thirds of its 6500 acres (2500 hectares) are heathland, amounting to 2.5% of the UK's extent of this rare habitat. The Forest Centre is the headquarters of the Conservators of Ashdown Forest who are responsible for the managing the Forest. To learn more of this fascinating place, please click here or use the menu above to navigate the site.

Using the Forest for activities and events

Because Ashdown Forest is such a beautiful location we often receive requests from individuals and organisations to use the Forest for a wide variety of fundraising events and commercial activities.  All events, for example, sponsored walks and orienteering and other activities, such as model aircraft flying and riding, require written permission. Click here to find out more. Commercial activities such as filming for television and still photography also require written permission, please call the Office for more information. Finally, estate agent boards and builders advertising boards require permisson before they are erected, click here to download an application form.  

Enjoy the Forest

Use the links below to find out more about how you can make the most out of your visit to the Ashdown Forest.

Adders on the Forest

Could we just scotch a rumour - the Board of Conservators does NOT release Adders on to Ashdown Forest! The reason you see more Adders on the Forest is that this area is one of best habitats in the UK. You are most likely to see them on warm days when they bask in the sunshine.  Human footsteps will disturb them and they will move away to safety. However, dogs dashing through undergrowth, heather and bracken are more vulnerable to bites - so it is very important that dogs be on a lead or under close control. Adder bites are very rare, but they do happen - they can make your dog very ill and can be fatal.  If you suspect your dog has been bitten - go to your vet straight away.