Welcome to
Ashdown forest
The landscape that inspired the idyllic home of
Winnie-the-Pooh
Don’t forget to renew your Annual Parking permit or Winter Pass!
Purchase your permit online via the Horizon portal or visit the Ashdown Forest Centre from Monday to Friday (10am–4.30pm) to pay in person.
A TREASURE OF THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE, ENCHANTING WITH ITS WILDERNESS AND BEAUTY
Celebrated as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh, Ashdown Forest is a rare and fragile environment with an ancient heritage.
Used by Kings for Deer Hunting but now for public enjoyment
With over 6,500 acres to explore, there is always an adventure to be had
A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST WITH SPECIAL PROTECTIONS FOR ITS HABITATS AND WILDLIFE
A habitat rarer than tropical rainforest, the unique heathland of Ashdown Forest is home to some of Europe’s most threatened species
FAMED AS THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD FROM THE WINNIE-THE-POOH STORIES
Discover the playground of Pooh and his friends and, nearby, the legendary Pooh Sticks Bridge
THE LARGEST PUBLIC OPEN SPACE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
Deep in the East Sussex countryside, just 30 miles from London, Ashdown Forest welcomes over 1.5 million visitors every year
FACING A CHALLENGING FUTURE FROM CLIMATE AND BIODIVERSITY CRISES
Please help us in our work to preserve and protect this magical place for the future
A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, A SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR BIRDS, AND A SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION FOR ITS HEATHS
A HERITAGE RICH IN HUMAN HISTORY
BUT SADLY, ASHDOWN FOREST IS UNDER THREAT, FROM DEVELOPMENT AND A LACK OF FUNDING
Our work is to preserve and protect the magical mix of environments, with all their special birds, insects, reptiles and plants, for the people who live and work here, for visitors, and for the future.
The Conservators of Ashdown Forest would be grateful for your support. You can find out how to help us on the Get Involved page.
Wherever you might be in the world, and whatever your reason for visiting us, we wish you a warm welcome to the wonderful Ashdown Forest.