
Artwork: Carry Akroyd
Why is Ashdown Forest, ten square miles of access land, so special? Audio producer Eka Morgan and wildlife guide Tom Forward are collaborating to find out.

Wildlife guide Tom Forward and podcast producer Eka Morgan on a dawn recording.
‘This podcast is a total delight – a blissful meander through the treasures of the Ashdown Forest and the people it touches, including the general public. It’s also an immersion in nature itself, a gentle induction into the identification of species and the wonders of birdsong.’
Isabella Tree, author of the bestselling Wilding, the story of the rewilding project at Knepp.
In episode one, Eka and Tom go on a dawn and dusk walk and learn some birdsong along the way. Eka interviews James Adler, Chief Executive of Ashdown Forest and Green MP Caroline Lucas.
In episode two, Eka interviews Tony Juniper, dedicated wildlife campaigner and Chair of Natural England, chats with Kari Dunbar on her new dog-focused role, and children join Tom for wildlife encounters on the dusk walk.
Listen to the episodes by clicking on the players here, or search for ‘Ashdown Forest’ on your podcast platform.
Discover more about the mystery sounds in each episode:
The launch of this podcast was made possible thanks to a grant from The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF) and Friends of Ashdown Forest.
Tom and Eka are making these podcasts to enhance visitors’ appreciation and understanding of Ashdown Forest. They are actively looking for sponsors for future issues, so please email them if you can help.
A donation to The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF) will support the protection and preservation of the Forest.