Ashdown Forest

31/10/2026

Test your knowledge of Ashdown Forest in this lovely article in Crowborough News!

Ashdown Forest has been in the spotlight recently as Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th anniversary was celebrated. But how much else do you know about this special place on our doorsteps? Who was the "King" and why was he "Standing"? What's the difference between a "hatch" and a "gate"? Is a "pale" a bucket? Who described it as "the most villainously spot in England"? Find out more in our special feature: https://crowborough.news/ashdown-forest-more-than-a-home-for-the-planets-most-famous-bear/
Ashdown Forest The Ashdown Forest Foundation

30/10/2026

🕚 Opening times at the Forest Centre this weekend: 31st October - 1st November 🕚

This weekend our Information Barn and Café will be open:
🍂Saturday: 11am to 5pm
🍂Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Public toilets (including our Changing Places facility) are open from 11am-5pm both days.

We're also open during the week from 9am-5pm (Mon-Thurs) and 9am-4.30pm (Fridays). Last orders in the café 15 minutes before closing!

As always, A BIG THANK YOU to all the volunteers who make opening up at the weekends possible - we couldn't do it without you! 🙌

🍦We serve fresh coffee (caff & decaff) and a range of teas.
🍦Why not try a slice of fresh cake? GF and vegan options available.
🍦Now selling Jude's Ice Cream! ✨

🎃Get into the seasonal spirit with a cinnamon latte! 🎃
(Sugar-free vanilla also available) ☕

💚 At the moment we’re getting some help from four of our Hebridean sheep - Krona, Olé, Cathie, and Coira - who are eating down our wildflower meadow. They’re in an electric-fenced enclosure just as you walk through the Forest Centre gate. As usual, please keep dogs on short leads at all times while at Centre, and please don’t feed the sheep. Thanks! 🙏

Where to find us:
Ashdown Forest Centre, Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, East Sussex, RH18 5JP

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Parking charges apply - pay at machine or by cash/card in the café. Annual & discounted permits available. Blue badge holders park free.

30/10/2026

Good morning from beautiful Ashdown Forest! 💚

29/10/2026

🐮 Grazing update 🐮

The Conservators' cattle have now left the virtual 'NoFence' enclosure at Undertakers, which was near the Old Airstrip.

They have left the Forest for the winter and we will see them again next spring!

For the latest on livestock grazing locations on the Forest, visit https://ashdownforest.org/grazing-status/

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

28/10/2026

🌳Appreciation post: before & after 🌳

2 days of scrub clearance with volunteers at Church Hill 🌞

🍂Ever though about getting into conservation at Ashdown Forest?

🍂Check out our online application form to join as Conservation Volunteer: https://ashdownforest.org/volunteer-with-us/

(You must be 18+ to apply).

27/10/2026

❗️Remembrance Service at the Airman's Grave memorial 2026

Road signs have now gone up to remind users of Crowborough Road (between the A22 at Nutley and the B2026 at Duddleswell) that the road will be closed between the cattlegrids from 9am and 1pm on Sunday 8th November. This is to allow safe access for attendees, volunteers, and staff to and from the Remembrance Service at the Airman's Grave. A signposted diversion will be in place.

The service at the memorial will commence at 11am.

Parking during the service will be free of charge in car parks on the B2026 from King’s Standing to Shepherds for the duration of the event and one hour either side. Parking for those attending the service will also be available at car parks along Crowborough Road, with the exception of Hollies which is reserved for disabled parking.

Please note that Box car park will be closed to horse boxes and trailers during the road closure period. The closest alternative car park for horse boxes and trailers is Black Hill.

This service is well attended, so we politely ask members of the public to be considerate of others by keeping dogs on short leads at all times. If you are attending on horseback, please remain separate from the crowd. We also remind visitors to the Forest that the use of drones is not permitted at any time.

For more information and FAQ, visit https://ashdownforest.org/remembrance-service-at-the-airmans-grave-memorial-2026/

🕰 Forest Centre opening times on 8th November
The Information Barn and café at the Forest Centre in Wych Cross will be closed during the service (with afternoon opening times to be advised nearer the time). However, the public toilets and Changing Places facility will be accessible between 10am and 5pm.
Thank you for your understanding.

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

27/10/2026

⚠️ Winter works update 🚜

This week winter works will commence in the following areas of the Forest (with nearest car parks). See maps for exact work locations.

- Garden of Eden and Pines Corner (Bushy Willow, Pines and King's Standing)
- Townsends (Townsends)
- Rushy Bottom (Reservoir)

Work should complete soon in the King's Standing area (nearest car parks: King's Standing and Smugglers), with works possibly starting in the Crow and Gate area late in the week or early next.

These areas will be focusing on removing over mature gorse and birch/pine scrub which is dominating the open heathland habitat.

If you are in these areas, please observe safety signage and find alternative routes while the work is being completed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we carry out these works!

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

25/10/2026

We hope everyone stayed safe during the recent storms and that power will soon be restored to those who lost it.

As Storm Boelo starts to blow out, your thoughts might now be turning to what to do with the kids or grandkids this half-term holiday... If you fancy stretching your legs and getting out into nature, take some inspiration from Emma and her children who have just completed all six of our new Big One Hundred themed trails!

They are the very first to have come into the Information Barn at the Forest Centre to have their free bookmarks stamped to show that they have completed:

🥾 The Adder Loop
🥾 The Dormouse Dawdle
🥾 The Nightjar Jaunt
🥾 The Silver Studded Blue Butterfly Stroll
🥾 The Dartford Warbler Wander
🥾 The Green Tiger Beetle Trail

That's an amazing 14.2 miles in total! Well done, guys!

You can start by choosing just one of the walks by picking up a free map at the Forest Centre or downloading it here: https://ashdownforest.org/the-big-one-hundred-walking-trails/

At the start of each walk you'll see a information sign with a QR code to download a detailed walking route, or you can zap the codes via the link above. The shortest walks are just over a mile and the longest just over three.

Then come into the Centre to get a bookmark and collect your stamps! And maybe treat yourself to a piece of cake or an ice-cream as a well-earned reward...?! 🌟


Wealden District Council
The Ashdown Forest Foundation
Trigger