The stunning forest near Kent that's a 'treasure of the English countryside'

For some, winter means mulled wine, board games and cosy evenings watching Christmas films. For others, it’s synonymous with woodland and forest walks. And just a few miles across Kent’s border, people can visit one of the largest open access areas in the region.

Home to some of Europe’s most threatened species, Ashdown Forest, situated only 12 miles from Tunbridge Wells, has been described as “a treasure of the English countryside”. Celebrated as the home of Winnie-the-Pooh, it has a rich history, with more than 6,500 acres to explore.

It is located in South East England and spans the borders on East Sussex, West Sussex and Kent. Once used by kings for deer hunting, it is particularly liked by families, horse riders and walkers.

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From the vibrant swathes of purple heather in full bloom on a summer’s day, to the quiet blankets of mist that cover the landscape in winter’s chill, the forest offers a variety of landscapes depending on the season. Described as a “walker’s paradise” on its website, it offers open spaces, stunning views, and tranquil wooded areas.

There are a number of paths available with the terrain being mostly “rough and undulating”, with some steep climbs and slopes. There are ten walks of two to three miles to choose from and, for hike lovers, there is a 14-mile circular route which visits the iconic Scots Pine clumps across the Forest.

To avoid getting lost, there is a map available from the Forest Centre or on the Ashdown Forest’s website. If you are worried about exploring one of the largest open access areas in Southeast England on your own, there are “Health Walks” taking place every Wednesday at 10am.

There are also several local walking groups which use the Forest regularly. It is the ideal way for walkers to explore the area while meeting new people and building friendships.

It reads on the website: “Two thirds of the Forest are heathland, which provides a wonderful habitat for birds such as the Nightjar which comes all the way from Africa to breed here, and the resident Dartford warbler.

“The Forest is also home to a wide variety of beautiful butterflies, including the Silver-studded Blue, rare insects and spiders. You’ll see ancient breeds of sheep, cattle and ponies openly grazing, as they have done for centuries. And across the heathland there are Foxes, Rabbits, Stoats, Weasels, Shrews, bats and Badgers.”

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”.

A stunning exhibition is set to take place from November 30 until January 12, 2025, with exclusive preview on November 30 at the Forest Centre, on Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross. The pictures, taken by Sussex photographer Craig Payne, 35, from Danehill, will be available to see during opening times from 10am to 4pm.

Craig said: "I am very excited and proud to be sharing this new collection of photographs that highlight how the heathland changes from season to season. The majority have never been seen before and I have brought them together in such a way as to showcase the seasonal beauty and the drama that impacts this rare environment that is on our doorsteps.

"Along with other visually striking scenes, expect to see photos of sunrises and sunsets, wide vistas full of heather and trees, the cows, sheep and Exmoor ponies that graze the landscape and snow and frost that bite on cold winter’s day."

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