Photos belong to Craig Payne 
It is time to put your best foot forward and enjoy a healthy start to the New Year in the natural beauty of Ashdown Forest. Anyone who is looking to shake off the winter blues is invited to a guided walk led by the Forest’s Nature Conservation and Engagement officer Mollie Matthews.
The walk on New Year’s Day is free and there is no need to book. Starting and finishing at Broadstone car park on Coleman’s Hatch Road – (not far from the Forest Centre), the 4km (2.5 mile) walk is designed as a relaxed introduction to the habitats and history of Ashdown Forest.
Mollie said:
“This is the perfect way to recharge your batteries after the festive season – we know that a connection to nature improves wellbeing and mental health, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to access all the benefits that the Forest offers. Over a couple of hours, we will be focussing on the habitats that make the area so unique and finding out how it evolved from King Henry VIII’s Royal hunting ground to an internationally recognised and protected ecosystem. We start and finish close to the Forest Centre – so there’s a chance to warm up with a hot drink in our café.”
The New Year’s Day walk is the first of an organised programme which will explore various parts of the 6500-acre Forest throughout the seasons. The walks will be led by the Forest’s Countryside Team who can give a unique insight into the lives of the animals and plants that call the Forest home.
Ashdown Forest’s Head of Engagement and Development Beth Morgan is keen to share the benefits that nature offers:
“We welcome around 1.5 million visitors to the Forest every year, and we want everyone to feel better for their visit. We know that an increasing number of people are accessing places like the Forest through “Nature Prescriptions” where GPs and other healthcare professionals direct people to green spaces for wellbeing, fitness, and mental health therapy. Our guided walks are just one of the ways we try to share all the benefits that being connected to nature has to offer. All the details of our planned activities are on our website www.ashdownforest.org/what’s-on/
New Year Walk Details
When: 1 January 2026 11-1
Where: Meet at Broadstone car park (RH18 5JP What3Words magnetic.lows.ourselves)
Car parking charges will apply.
The walk is free to join but please note sturdy footwear is essential as there are hills and uneven terrain. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Due to the terrain – unfortunately, this walk is not suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs.
Contact
Fo more information please contact: Beverley Thompson on 07751 290574 or at bev@ignitepre.co.uk
