Dawn on the Forest

The first in a series of guided walks taking place throughout the year, with local guide Tom Forward.

Probably the best time of day to experience the forest, before the hustle and bustle of daily life gets going, those who embrace the early start will be rewarded with the dawn chorus and the chance of encounters with the more secretive wildlife that calls the forest home.

Your expert guide will help you tune into the different bird songs and identify the species unique to this landscape. We’ll finish with a steaming mug of tea or coffee and pastries.

Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite:

Saturday 23rd April:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dawn-on-the-forest-tickets-290469982537

About your guide, Tom Forward:

Born on the edge of Ashdown Forest, his childhood was spent exploring the woodlands, ghyll streams, bogs, and heaths, looking for deer, snakes, and birds of prey. The freedom to roam this special landscape led to his choice of career as an ecologist and environmental educator, and lifelong a desire to help protect wildlife. With a degree in Environmental Management and 20 years’ experience in the field, through roles at Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in southern India, Field Studies Council, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and Commonwork Trust, Tom is an all-round naturalist who has wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to share with visitors.

Tom lives on Ashdown Forest and now works as a freelance ecologist and wildlife guide at locations across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, including the Knepp Estate (renowned rewilding project), Royal Botanical Gardens Kew Wakehurst and Bore Place Organic Farm.

“Ashdown Forest hosts some remarkable species and there is always something to see from special plants and insects, to secretive reptiles and rare birds, or simply the spectacular sweeping views over the High Weald and beyond. There’s nothing I enjoy more than tuning visitors’ eyes and ears into the landscape, leaving them with a new appreciation of the place and a memorable experience.”