Ashdown Forest is owned by the Ashdown Forest Trust and managed by the Conservators of Ashdown Forest.
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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.
Living in the ForestThere are more than 700 'commoners' – people who have ancient rights, such as grazing animals or wood cutting, attached to their land or property. In addition, there are many more residents with access tracks that cross the Forest to reach their homes, and lots of small businesses.
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.
Ashdown Forest has introduced paid parking on all our car parks. For some years we have experienced increasing numbers of visitors and decreasing levels of funding.
Having an Ashdown Forest Riding Permit gives you access to over 75 miles of varied and beautiful riding. You can easily ride all day. Riding is by permit only, and every horse must display a valid badge.
There are ten walks of 2-3 miles to choose from and, for the more adventurous hikers, there is a 14 mile circular route which visits the iconic Scots Pine clumps across the Forest. The walks leaflets and Forest map are available from the Forest Centre or can be downloaded HERE.
To become a commoner you essentially have to buy some land that comes with the right to common on the new forest. Commoners are those who occupy land or property to which privileges known as 'rights of common' are attached, which includes the right to graze stock on the Open Forest.
Two independent charities raise funds to help the Conservators' work – The Ashdown Forest Foundation and the Friends of Ashdown Forest. The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF) is an independent charity and is not involved in the day-to-day management of the Forest.
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.
Well behaved dogs ARE welcome on the Forest. We ask however, that certain guidelines are followed. A Board of Conservators manages Ashdown Forest as a quiet, natural place for you to enjoy and also as a refuge for wildlife.
The car parks will be managed by Horizon Parking and visitors will be charged £2 for one hour, £2.50 for up to two hours, £4 for up to four hours and £5 to park all day. An annual pass is also available for £80 and a 6 month 'Winter pass' is £50 (both these passes cover 2 vehicles from the same household).