Ashdown Forest

Before we discuss the actual management and conservation practices that take place upon the Forest, it is useful to understand what governmental designations are available to areas such as Ashdown Forest.

SSSIs are the country's very best wildlife and geological sites. They include some of our most spectacular and beautiful habitats - large wetlands teeming with waders and waterfowl, winding chalk rivers, gorse and heather-clad heathlands, flower-rich meadows, windswept shingle beaches and remote uplands moorland and peat bog.

It is essential to preserve our remaining natural heritage for future generations. Wildlife and geological features are under pressure from development, pollution, climate change and unsustainable land management. SSSIs are important as they support plants and animals that find it more difficult to survive in the wider countryside. Protecting and managing SSSIs is a shared responsibility, and an investment for the benefit of future generations.

The first SSSIs were identified under the The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 when the then Nature Conservancy notified local authorities of SSSIs. This was so their conservation interest could be taken into account during the planning process. Natural England now has responsibility for identifying and protecting the SSSIs in England under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and more recently The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Ashdown Forest was notified of its original SSSI status in 1953 and again in 1986 under the 1981 act. It was given this status because it supports several uncommon plants, a rich invertebrate fauna, and important populations of heath and woodland birds. For more information on Ashdown Forest's SSSI status use the link below to find out more.

SPAs are strictly protected sites classified in accordance with Article 4 of the EC Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC), also known as the Birds Directive, which came into force in April 1979. They are classified for rare and vulnerable birds, listed in Annex I to the Birds Directive, and for regularly occurring migratory species.

Ashdown Forest was classified as an SPA in March 1996 because it supports bird populations of European importance which are listed on Annex I of the Directive:

SACs are strictly protected sites designated under the EC Habitats Directive. Article 3 of the Habitats Directive requires the establishment of a European network of important high-quality conservation sites that will make a significant contribution to conserving the 189 habitat types and 788 species identified in Annexes I and II of the Directive. The listed habitat types and species are those considered to be most in need of conservation at a European level (excluding birds). Of the Annex I habitat types, 76 are believed to occur in the UK. Of the Annex II species, 43 are native to, and normally resident in, the UK.

Ashdown Forest was submitted to be classified in 2005 as an SAC in March 2001 and achieved that status. It was awarded this because it has one of the largest single continuous blocks of lowland heath in south-east England. The site supports important assemblages of beetles, dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies, including the nationally rare silver-studded blue Plebejus argus, and birds of European importance, such as European nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Dartford warbler Sylvia undata and Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo.

An AONB is exactly what it says it is: a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them. There are 41 AONBs in England and Wales (36 wholly in England, 4 wholly in Wales and 1 which straddles the border). Created by the legislation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, AONBs represent 18% of the finest Countryside in England and Wales.

Their care has been entrusted to the local authorities, organisations, community groups and the individuals who live and work within them or who value them. Each AONB has been designated for special attention by reason of their high qualities. These include their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations as well as scenic views. AONB landscapes range from rugged coastline to water meadows to gentle downland and upland moors.