Ashdown Forest Centre
The Forest is owned by the Ashdown Forest Trust, and managed by the Conservators of Ashdown Forest, protecting and preserving this beautiful wilderness for everyone.
Main Photo Credit: Dave Brooker
Covering over 10 square miles, Ashdown Forest is one of the largest open access areas in Southeast England. Situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its lowland heathland and deciduous woodland habitats are home to many rare and threatened species.
With a rich human history from Kings and commoners to smuggling and industry dating back centuries, Ashdown Forest is also the setting of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.
Ashdown Forest is owned by the Ashdown Forest Trust and managed by the Conservators of Ashdown Forest.
A small team of staff are employed by the Conservators to look after the Forest – to protect, conserve and enhance the nature and culture of Ashdown Forest as the largest biodiverse heathland and open space in Sussex for the enjoyment, education, health and recreation of all.
Ashdown Forest Vision & Management Strategy
Under the Ashdown Forest Act, the Conservators can create and use byelaws to help them manage Ashdown Forest and protect the rights of common.
Learn more about the Board of Conservators and Forest Governance → Forest Governance
Two independent charities raise funds to help the Conservators’ work – The Ashdown Forest Foundation and the Friends of Ashdown Forest.
Visitor Centre opening hours 10am-4:30pm during the week and 11am-5pm (or dusk if earlier) at weekends and bank holidays
Contact Number - 01342 823583
01342 823583
Ashdown Forest Centre, Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, East Sussex. RH18 5JP
Opening Times:
Visitor Centre – open at weekends throughout the year from 11am – 5pm (or dusk if earlier) and during the week from April – October.
The Centre is manned by volunteers so opening times may vary depending on volunteer availability.
Forest Centre Office – open from 9am – 4:30pm weekdays only (excluding Bank Holidays)
Toilets – there are public toilets at the Forest Centre and are open to the public during office hours and when the Visitor Centre is open. A disabled toilet (wheelchair accessible but no hoist) is situated within the office barn and is available for use when the Visitor Centre/Forest Office is open.
Photo Gallery
