Other Activities
Ashdown Forest is a great place to be active and enjoy the outdoors. While we welcome our visitors, not all activities are compatible with the rare wildlife, livestock and other Forest users.
Some activities will require a licence before they can take place, such as sponsored walks, organised running/orienteering events, commercial activities including paid for guided walks, bird watching tours, fungi forays, filming, dog-walking and training. To apply for an event/commercial activity licence please complete the application form and return it to the Forest Centre.
Our byelaws do not allow cycling, metal detecting, camping or flying drones. Barbecues and campfires/stoves are prohibited because of the high fire risk – please stick to picnics! Model aircraft can be flown by BMFA members in accordance with the BMFA licence.
If you are not sure please contact us and find out before you arrive.
For ideas of activities, events and other places to visit in Wealden please visit the Explore Wealden website: https://www.explorewealden.co.uk/
Filming at Ashdown Forest
We know Ashdown Forest is a very special place, with no other open area like it in the Southeast. Because of this we attract filmmakers and photographers all year round wanting to capture the countryside on camera.
Until March 2023, we didn’t have a process in place to welcome such activity and ensure the right permissions were in place for commercial filming and photography. We’re excited to announce we now have a dedicated service to support anyone wanting to film/photograph.
We offer multiple locations across our 6,500 acres – all unique and suitable for commercials, fashion shoots, music videos, films and TV. You’ll find amazing views, woodland, heathland, wild plants, waterfalls and lakes. Notable areas include Friends Clump, Camp Hill Clump and Millbrook Clump.
The Forest also offers numerous country roads (bendy and lined with trees and no pylons – they are all underground). We have 50 car parks, a barn, toilet and kitchen facilities for use.
We’re located 30 miles south of London, close to Crawley.
Permits and permissions for filming
Working in collaboration with the Sussex Film Office we use FAME Pro to ensure the film permit application process completes quickly and efficiently. FAME Pro allows filmmakers and photographers to manage the entire production process – from permits to locations, cast and crew etc.
If you’d like to film and/or photograph at the Forest, please make a full permit application. If you want to obtain a quote plus pre-approval, please complete our permit enquiry form.