Wildlife Day - Ashdown Forest
Deep in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ashdown Forest expands over 2,500 hectares of heathland and woodland perched on a sandstone ridge. Ashdown is recognised as internationally important both for its bird populations and its heathland habitat, which includes both dry heath and wetter ‘Northern Atlantic’ heath with valley bogs, home to interesting communities of plants and insects. As autumn settles in we will explore some of the many trails, taking in the High Weald’s fine landscapes as we search for the birds of the season. In the tree tops Crossbills may join Siskins and Lesser Repoll, and we will listen out for roving flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing, along with the possibility of a southbound Ring Ouzel. Woodlark, Stonechat and Dartford Warbler can all be spotted in the open heathland and the Forest is a frequent haunt of wintering Great Grey Shrikes.
Price: £50 (including VAT), payable by bank transfer. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept payment by card.
To book your place, please phone/email us to arrange payment: places are limited, and will be allocated on a “first come, first served” basis.
On confirmation of the Wildlife Day, we will send you the details of the meeting place and time, and our leader’s contact details. Please make sure we have your mobile phone number.
Group transport is not provided. We may move between sites during the day (depending on recent sightings), in which case we will use our own vehicles to drive the short distance.
We will be walking for much of the day, and expect to cover up to six miles, although always at a gentle place. There may be slopes and rough ground, and paths may be wet and muddy. Suitable footwear (walking shoes/boots) is essential, and you should also be prepared for inclement weather.
In line with current government advice, our group size will be limited to six, together with our leader. We will ask everyone to observe social distancing advice during the day, currently two metres between individuals from different households. Bird hides may not be open, but if they are, we would ask that everyone wears a face mask whilst using them.