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"We support Ashdown Forest"
Ashdown Forest is a unique and very special place for residents, local communities and visitors - 6,500 acres of protected heathland and woodland, paths, rides and trails, hidden gardens, waterfalls, streams and magnificent views to the North and South Downs.
Due in part to ever decreasing budget and grant cuts we are piloting a new fundraising scheme asking visitors to contribute voluntarily to support Ashdown Forest and help with the preservation of our amenity spaces and car parks.
We are hoping to raise £30,000 annually.
The Conservators of Ashdown Forest need to raise funds for this and for other charitable purposes on the Forest.
The most recent Visitor Survey estimated that there were 4541 visits per day to Ashdown Forest with just a small staff team, supported by teams of volunteers, who work to 'manage the forest as an amenity and place of resort and to conserve it as a quiet and natural area of outstanding beauty.’ Local residents also tell us they would like to show their appreciation for this wonderful resource on their doorstep.
We appreciate all the support so many of you give us whether by volunteering, through donations or supporting events.
Thank you!
Tell your friends
Andrew
Since I’m using your facility, I felt it only fair to at least make a donation. Thank you
Peter
It’s very calming
Anonymous
This is a very sensible alternative to enforced parking charges. I hope most visitors will take it up.
Anonymous
This is a very sensible alternative to enforced parking charges. I hope most visitors will take it up.
MF
Britain has lost a staggering 90% of its heathland in the last 100 years together with the extinction of species associated with that area.
Ashdown Forest is the largest remaining area of lowland heathland in South East England and it's vital not to lose it.
Anonymous
Because the Rangers picked up our dog in the road and took it to the Centre
Anonymous
Merry Christmas! On behalf of Maddie & Kris
Anonymous
Picked up a wonderful Christmas tree from the Forest Center today. Thank you for all you do!
Pat
We love Ashdown Forest and contribute to its upkeep for us and future generations.
Ashdown Botanicals
I set up a small business called Ashdown Botanicals and I’ve pledged that I will donate 1.5% of the proceeds every year to help support the forest. I opened a year ago today snd that was 1.5% of my takings! I hope it helps!
Anonymous
This donation covers a book that I took from the Forest Centre the other day (I had no change for the box) and use of the car park the last few times we have been there.
Anonymous
We used the car park and enjoyed several walks wanted to contribute to the work you do to maintain this wonderful and unique piece of Sussex
Anonymous
We used the car park and enjoyed several walks wanted to contribute to the work you do to maintain this wonderful and unique piece of Sussex
Nigel
The Ashdown Forest is beautiful and so well looked after. I use it several times a week and now I can contribute
Anonymous
30 year residents and wonderful place to be.
Anonymous
30 year residents and wonderful place to be.
Anonymous
Had a great walk in this wonderful wood
Harry
We use the forest a lot this is about the same as the proposed annual parking charge.
Can I gift aid it?
Anonymous
As promised after chatting on the phone. 17/06/21 - Paid with thanks
Anonymous
So important to conserve this beautiful forest. Wonderful circular walk from Hollies car park with the kids!
Anonymous
Because I love Ashdown Forest and lived there until recently. The area is so very well maintained by the Rangers and Conservators and needs to be maintained so this area can be enjoyed by everyone.
Elizabeth
Thanks to wonderful forest walkers and duty ranger, Rich, for finding and returning my dropped mobile phone near Long carpark on Sunday. So appreciate the kindness of our Forest community and the efforts of forest ranger to track me down!
Chris
Protect and Enhance
Susan
Thank you for maintaining this beautiful place
Simon
Thank you to the forest rangers for keeping the forest looking so good
Clive
Monies received in cash from satisfied participants on 2 Nightjar walks 2021
Anonymous
I live in the Ashdown and use the Forest every day when walking my dog.
Justin
Because I live on the forest and feel lucky to do so.
Georgia
Forest Bird Walk
Michael
I enjoy using the Forest and want others to be able to do so.
Juliet
Keeping Ashdown forest beautiful for Glyn family and others to enjoy
Anonymous
Joining a bird walk with Clive Poole
Anonymous
Such a lovely local facility. Happy to support!
Anonymous
Bird watch walk with Clive Poole.
Elizabeth
The Ashdown Forest is a unique and valuable nature site and public green space. It deserves to have secure ongoing funding to ensure proper management of the resources, as well as the nature conservation work. I am fortunate to ride and walk regularly on the forest and am happy to donate in support.
David
I walk on the Ashdown most days and use the car parks. It is a wonderful resource on my door step
Anonymous
We are so lucky to have this wonderful area to walk in
KM
Because I have lived in the area for 20 years and never realised the care taken to keep The Forest going.
Carole
I attended a STAG meeting with James Adler last night
Christian Thwaites
RMW Butterfly. For Robert Murray Willis memorial
Anonymous
To support the rangers good work
Anonymous
It's so beautiful, a lovely place that I have enjoyed visiting for over 30 years.
Cassandra Arnold
In memory of my father Laurence Hardy, who was a Conservator for many years. I spend many happy hours of my childhood playing in these open spaces and shared a love of the area with him.
Anonymous
I love
Anonymous
My wife and I live just a ten minute walk from Ashdown Forest and since the pandemic started we have enjoyed regular visits. Our donation is little enough to help maintain this beautiful area
Anonymous
The forest has been a place of beauty and sanctuary over the years and it's only fair I give something back.
Anonymous
With thanks to Rich, Ashdown Forest Ranger
Anonymous
We walk on the Ashdown Forest every day with our dog. We are very lucky to be able to enjoy the Forest.
Anonymous
valuable amenity
Anonymous
The Ashdown forest really is the place that makes me happiest it totally sets me up for the day so I think it's so important t to support and help loom after it
Anonymous
We just love the forest and feel so fortunate to live so close to it.
D. Fenner
My Father passed away this year. He worked, with his Father (Joiner) and Brother (Rigger), on the radio station as an engineer. He travelled the world working for the civil service. His last wish was for his ashes to be scattered on the site. We were permitted to do so close to the old radio station site. My donation is by way of thanks.
Hayley
Love the forest it’s mine & my dogs happy place
Anonymous
To support and show appreciation to the team of folks who make Ashdown Forest such a wonderful place to visit.
The Natural Funeral
In loving memory of Christopher Robin Havens - Boulder, Colorado, USA
Anonymous
In memory of my late husband Bruce, who loved to walk our dog on the forest.
Anonymous
Parked the car and had a lovely walk. Thanks for maintaining this tremendous facility
Liza
What you do is hugely appreciated, thank you, happy to donate x
Katherine
The Ashdown Forest is such a beautiful place. Sad that money is needed again for the signs because of imbeciles stealing the others, but glad to give. Hopefully the selfish idiots stay away.
Nick
After the anti-socials louts stole the signs on the Ashdown Forest, I feel it is my social duty to give a few quid. Isn't it always the many that pay the price for the few?
Anonymous
We love our back garden extension....
Anonymous
It's the best place for my dog to run, I appreciate having tbe Ashdown Forest so very much.
J
We care about what you do.
Diane Fellows
Good work - thanks.
Anonymous
We use the forest daily to walk our dogs and want to support and 'pay back' for this beautiful place.
Sue Ricketts
I live in Chelwood Gate and have grown to love the Forest more during the Covid crisis.
Anonymous
In memory of my dad
Anonymous
We enjoyed a lovely walk yesterday and saw the donation sign in the “Friends” car park
Dave Brooker
Donation from a friend for a Ashdown Forest Calendar
Lucie
I walk regularly up the forest with my family and our dog. I have been meaning to donate for a long time (sorry it's taken so long!). Thank you for keeping the forest looking so lovely and for all the hard work that you all do.
From an East Grinstead resident x
Sally
Everyone should support the Ashdown Forest - we are so lucky to have it.
Anonymous
I used one of the free car parks & went for a lovely 10mile walk. I appreciate all the work that goes in to looking after the forest & car parks so feel i should & am happy to contribute something each time i visit to help in some small way towards keeping such places accessible to all.
Anonymous
I enjoyed my visit to the forest
Anonymous
To support public access to beautiful rural areas
Anonymous
To pay for mapped walks
Anonymous
I love walking & driving up to the forest. I have used it for 50 years and am grateful for all who upkeep it.
Daniel
Such a lovely place and maybe one of the few places you can seek calmness in these crazy times
Anonymous
I visited today and want to help
Anonymous
We love the Ashdown Forest, can we please gift aid these donations?
Anonymous
Shocked at the loss of the East Sussex grant for this important, historical and beautiful forest which I love. Good luck!
Kathleen
I donated today because I once taught first grade. Every year I read Winnie the Pooh to my class, and they always loved it. If I can help save the Hundred Acre Wood for future generations , then I'm glad to help.
Anonymous
Such a beautiful Forest and now no government funding which is appalling.
Anonymous
Because this is a very important piece of nature that needs to be preserved indefinitely.
gregory
Love walking on Ashdown Forest, great views, outstanding countryside.
Anonymous
We live in Chelwood Gate and walk our dogs daily on the Forest. It is a lovely place and we appreciate the work that is done to keep it that way.
Anonymous
This is the place I live. My county my responsibility.
Anonymous
To support ongoing Forest conservation and public education programs, especially directed to children.
Anonymous
Live in Tunbridge Wells, love, love walking in Ashdown Forest
Anonymous
I visited the other day—what a wonderful place!—and took copies of all your walk leaflets from the visitors' centre. I wanted to make sure that we had paid our dues! Didn't have any cash with us.
Anonymous
I love the Ashdown Forest area and I absolutely loathe fly tipping.
Anonymous
The Ashdown Forest has always been a special place for me.
Anonymous
Good luck, live on and love the forest
Anonymous
Largest expanse of lowland heath in the World.
Tanya
We have donated on behalf of Alex Scott and Matt Hart, who are riding to Amsterdam for charity. Great job on the ride! Tanya x
Robin
We have donated on behalf of Alex Scott and Matt Hart, who are riding to Amsterdam for charity
Amy
Because my family have lived on and loved the forest for many years.
Anonymous
Sponsoring Alex Scott on a mammoth bike ride from Sussex to Amsterdam. Donating to a charity of her choice.
Alex
For Alex and Matt who is cycling from UK to Amsterdam to raise some money for the forest which is greatly needed!
Jane
My daughter is doing a charity bike ride from Virgin Atlantic headquarters in Crawley to Amsterdam 4 countries in 4 days!
Anonymous
We love walking on Ashdown Forest. Thank you to everyone you gives up their time to maintain its beauty.
Anonymous
In remembrance of Pooh!
Anonymous
In remembrance of Pooh!
Anonymous
In remembrance of Pooh!
Anonymous
Happy to help. Hope the fire damage is not too great, and wish I could give more.
Anonymous
We are so lucky to have this beautiful place locally. It is such a haven for wildlife and nature.
Anonymous
I drive over the forest to work and love seeing it change through the seasons. I played there as a child but dont walk there now.
June
I love the Forest and feel lucky to have it on the doorstep. My dogs love to walk there.
Kathleen
I can't be there to help. This is the closest I can come.
Anonymous
I came here 50 years ago when my parents bought a cottage in Fairwarp. Imagine my delight to find that at the gate at the top of the garden went on to the forest. I was captivated then and still am and walk on the forest frequently, always with great pleasure. It is something we must all do our best to preserve and if there is anything I can do to further this then, if it is within my capabilities, then I will do so.
Jack
To help all locals and visitors to maintain a lovely natural forest
Anonymous
This is a One Off donation for a very good cause
Stella
Love having this beautiful forest on our doorstep
Elizabeth
Areas of natural beauty such as Ashdown Forest are increasingly precious as towns and cities slowly eat up our open spaces. We need to protect our countryside and wildlife now.
Anonymous
I have lived around the Ashdown Forest all my life & love it.
Anonymous
Enjoyed orienteering here for many years and wanted to help.
Anonymous
Because this beautiful space need help to conserve it. I live nearby
Anonymous
I have such lovely memories of riding and dog walking on the Ashdown Forest. It is one of my favourite open spaces and enjoy living locally to such a lovely area.
Anonymous
Absolutely love the forest. My ancestors built the Wind Mill and have lived here for 1,000 years. A specific sectioned off area for Mountain Bikes with a usage fee is a sensible way to go and will make money as others have done.
Jeremy
Can't imagine how short sighted councils can be!!
Anonymous
Ash down Forrest needs to be protected and maintained properly.
Anonymous
We have had the pleasure of living on the edge of Ashdown Forest for nearly 60 years What joy it has given us and our family
Anonymous
I have read the article in Ashdown Forest Living and am considering making a regular contribution as my wife & I derive much pleasure in walking/sitting in various locations. Your website was not user-friendly towards making a regular contribution. Kindly advise preferred method for receipt of standing order payments
Anonymous
I live near Ashdown Forest and wish to see it continue to be maintained despite cuts in funding.
Cressy
As locals the Forest means a lot to us!
Neil
A beautiful landscape on our doorstep, which needs to be preserved and protected. Worth every penny.
Anonymous
support for a good cause
Stephen
Keep up the good work
Anonymous
This is a lovely place to be. It needs support to preserve it.
Anonymous
Good luck with this fundraising effort. I really enjoy walking on Ashdown Forest with my dog and appreciate all you do.
Anonymous
I have lived close to the Forest all my life. I have walked my dogs and children there over many years. I have ridden my horses over every track over the past 40 years. I have never tired of the changing scenery through the seasons or the amazing views. It is a special and unique place immortalised by Pooh and I am very grateful to be able to use it whenever I want.
Anonymous
I have lived close to the Forest all my life. I have walked my dogs and children there over many years. I have ridden my horses over every track over the past 40 years. I have never tired of the changing scenery through the seasons or the amazing views. It is a special and unique place immortalised by Pooh and I am very grateful to be able to use it whenever I want.
Anonymous
I feel we should support our natural heritage particularly when it's threatened by cuts in funding.
Anonymous
It’s so important to maintain this beautiful habitat so that it can be enjoyed now and in future generations.
Anonymous
I feel very fortunate to live close to such a beautiful place where you can take long walks and look at wonderful uninterrupted countryside.
David
Having enjoyed the wide spaces of the forest for a number of years, I am happy to donate and urge all who have walked or picnicked here to do the same!
Anonymous
It's a beautiful wild space that needs preserving.
Anonymous
A small token of my familys appreciation of the Ashdown Forest - a place that holds a special place in our hearts and we’d be devestated if we weren’t able to continue to freely visit it and continue to make memories there!
Anonymous
I love Ashdown Forest and used to have a riding permit so just wanted to add my support
Anonymous
This is a unique area, those that use it should support this campaign.
Anonymous
I really hope you make your target. The Forest is 'my happy place'.
Anonymous
We love The Ashdown Forest!
Anonymous
to help with conservation - you should have a very small car park fee e.g. 50p at the centre only, to help with funding
Jeannette
Beautiful place which needs to be protected at all cost. National treasure
Anonymous
Because I would like to continue to see AF as it is today.
Ps. Perhaps professional dog walkers should be asked to pay for a permit as they seem very abundant!
Anonymous
Because I care about this beautiful forest and want to keep it safe
Jed
The forest has always been a part of my life and long may it continue
Anonymous
The forest is a beautiful place, I walk here regularly and I love it!
Anonymous
i am lucky enough to live very close to the forest and spend a lot of time there walking its such a beautiful part of the country
Anonymous
Love of Ashdown Forest
Karen
Such a beautiful & peaceful place ... all of our dogs over the years have and continue to love their walks on the forest :)
Anonymous
We love our forest.
Anonymous
I love the forest
Anonymous
We walk our dog in the Forest almost every day and feel a small donation is the least we can do
Anonymous
I love Ashdown Forest!
Anonymous
There is a part of me which belongs on the Forest. It is the place I feel the most at home, and the most 'me'.
Gemma
As a horse rider I use the forest and want my children to enjoy it.
Anonymous
We live on the edge of the forest and enjoy walking, picnics and just sitting looking at the views. It should be preserved for future generations too.
Anouk
I live on the forest and love and treasure the area. I am more than happy to regularly support the preservation of this beautiful part of Sussex
Anonymous
To hope the forest remains as it is for ever.
Rupert
I am a commoner who enjoys the Forest every day
Anonymous
Fantastic area of natural beauty,
Anonymous
In memory of my grandmother.
Anonymous
The costs of maintaining the forest and it's habitat keep increasing. I hope my small contribution helps. We are lucky to have such a beautiful area on our doorstep.
Anonymous
We live close by to this beautiful part of our country that MUST be preserved.
Anonymous
In memory of Lillian Dorothy Dyer, and in support of an organization which will continue to impact the world in positive ways for generations.
Anonymous
We need you
Anonymous
Great cause. One of the reasons we moved to the area.
Anonymous
Excellent cause
Anonymous
To help support Ashdown Forest
Christopher
I wish to support the protection of the Ashdown Forest
Melanie
Because I love the Forest and think it is really important to the biodiversity and well being of the area
Anonymous
Love the Forest!
Anonymous
Glad to help support this lovely place
Anonymous
Supporting outdoor spaces.
Anonymous
I was born and raised on the doorstep to this beautiful Forest. I love walking here and think the staff are doing a great job.
Anonymous
Having lived on the Forest for the last few years......we see how these much needed funds will help keep 'our' back garden for everyone to enjoy.
James
very happy to help the Forest.