By Peter Lindsey 
Volunteers and visitors to Ashdown Forest have had an early Christmas present! Two new facilities have been opened that are designed to enhance any visit and encourage more people to volunteer to help maintain and enhance this unique landscape.
Visitors now access the Forest Centre through the Gateway to Nature, onto a new decked area where they can enjoy magnificent views of the Forest.
Panoramic windows in the centre bring the outside in and make every season accessible – especially for visitors whose mobility was previously a barrier to enjoying the benefits of being close to nature.
Cllr Christina Coleman, Wealden District Council – Danehill and Fletching ward, said: “It is always a treat to visit Ashdown Forest, but with this newly refurbished visitor centre welcoming you, you have a beautiful, cosy space to make your time in the Forest even more inviting.
The new fully accessible decking area and “Changing Places” toilet facility means that we can welcome even more visitors and ensure that everyone can access the Forest and all the benefits that come from being close to nature.”
What many visitors do not see are the efforts of a small army of volunteers who help to look after the Forest’s unique fauna and flora and ensure that the more than a million visitors a year have a great experience.
In recognition of the volunteers’ hard work and dedication – the Forest has opened a new Volunteer Hub. The upgraded area offers a drying room and changing area together with a fully equipped kitchen area and comfortable seating area for volunteers and staff to relax and socialise together.
Both developments were funded by the Friends of Ashdown Forest – a charity that supports the Forest through preservation and conservation projects.
Chair of the Friends Pat Arnold said: “The Friends of Ashdown Forest are delighted to be funding the newly extended and refurbished Visitor Centre. We think this will make the Centre a welcoming location for both visitors and volunteers who support the Forest. A big thank you must go to all our members for making this possible.
“We would also like to acknowledge the creative and practical skills of the experts who worked with us including: Project Manager Juliet Townsend, Architect Mel Jarvis, Lingstead Construction, and Interior Design expert Melanie Styles. Together they have helped us to create a unique space. We cannot wait to welcome everyone to experience it for themselves.”
The new Deck and Hub were officially opened on December 4th – to coincide with the Friends’ AGM. Cutting the ribbon alongside Cllr Coleman and Pat Arnold – Ashdown Forest’s Chief Executive Mark Pearson commented:
“I am delighted that visitors, volunteers, and staff can benefit from the improved facilities at the Ashdown Forest Centre. This has been made possible thanks to generous funding from the Friends of Ashdown Forest – an incredibly supportive organisation that has donated more than a million pounds in total over the years to support this very special place. We are deeply appreciative of the many members of this long-standing charity who support us financially, as well as in many cases by volunteering their time and support – they are indeed true friends of the Forest.”
Ashdown Forest is one of the largest public access spaces in the South East. It is located within the High Weald National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and holds national and international protection statuses. www.ashdownforest.org
The Friends of Ashdown Forest is a charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness to help maintain the Forest’s unique heathland habitat, protect its wildlife, and promote responsible public access. www.friendsofashdownforest.co.uk
