Youth in Nature - Walk and talk with a Trainee Ranger, Ashdown Forest

Led by Sussex Wildlife Trust Trainee Ranger, Callum Forster, this gentle, circular walk, of about 4-5km, will be a chance to get outside and discover Ashdown Forest with other young people.

We will explore the local landscape, looking out for seasonal wildlife and learning about the work done to maintain the reserve by our rangers and volunteers.

Refreshments will be provided at the end of the walk, hosted by Katie, our Youth Action Officer. A shuttle bus is being provided for those coming by public transport.

About the Reserve:

Old Lodge lies within the heart of the Ashdown Forest. It is a wide-open landscape of heather and grassland, dotted with Gorse, Birch, Oak and Scots Pine. At a higher elevation than the neighbouring West Sussex heaths, its climate is cooler and damper giving the site a more upland feel. Old Lodge is an excellent site for wildlife spotting with its unique habitat playing host to a variety of interesting species.

Meeting point and directions:

By car:

We will be meeting on site at Old Lodge Car Park, TN22 3JD.

This is situated on the B2026 just north of the Old Lodge Private Road and south of the Shadows Car Park.

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If the car park is full, there are others nearby. Car parking charges now apply. For further details, please visit: Parking | The Conservators of Ashdown Forest

By public transport:

A free shuttle bus, with limited spaces, will be departing from Spring Gardens Car Park, Lewes, BN7 3PS. (10 minute walk from the train station)

Shuttle departs from Lewes: 10:15

Return journey: 15:00 from Old Lodge Car Park. Estimated arrival time at Lewes. 15:45pm. Please allow time for delays when planning your onward journey.

What to bring:

• Warm clothes

• A waterproof coat

• Sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots

• Packed lunch and drink

• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided at the end of the walk, but please bring a drink and packed lunch to have at the midpoint of the walk.

Toilet and catering facilities:

No toilets or other facilities. Need a pit stop? Visit the Ashdown Forest Centre where toilets are open 10am – 5pm on weekends.

Participants arriving by the free shuttle will stop via the Ashdown Forest Centre toilets on the return journey.

Accessibility:

Walking for up to 3 hours on rough tracks of varying surfaces that may be muddy and slippery in places after rain. The walk will be at a gentle pace, but please be aware that there are some hills including one steep ascent/descent.

No stiles. Grazing animals will be on site.

Age: this event is open to people aged 16 – 30

Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

Photo: Old Lodge Nature Reserve © Sam Roberts

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