Ashdown Forest contains one of the largest single continuous blocks of lowland heath in south-east England, with both 4030 European dry heaths and, in a larger proportion, wet heath.
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The word 'forest' does not actually imply covered with trees but derives from the name for a royal hunting area with special laws to protect deer. Ashdown Forest became part of the Duchy of Lancaster when Edward III granted the hunting park to his son, John of Gaunt in 1372.
In 1693, more than half the forest was taken into private hands, with the remainder set aside as common land. The latter today covers 9.5 square miles (25 km2; 6,100 acres; 2,500 ha) and is the largest area with open public access in South East England.
A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST, A SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA FOR BIRDS, AND A SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION FOR ITS HEATHS. Ashdown Forest is also part of the European Natura 2000 network as it hosts some of Europe's most threatened species and habitats.