The High Weald. Ashdown Forest. The East Sussex County Landscape Assessment. landmark pine clumps with Winnie the Pooh associations

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1 Ashdown Forest 2 extensive woodland mainly conifer plantations large country houses some associated with significant designed landscapes and parkland outstanding views from many hilltops to North and South Downs rolling high ground shady secluded ghyll streams with iron industry relics broad open exposed heathland ridges ragged skyline landmark pine clumps with Winnie the Pooh associations

2 Ashdown Forest 2 Ashdown forest is a heart shaped area lying between Crowborough, Forest Row and Maresfield on the more northerly of the two major ridges in the AONB. It is the largest area of lowland heath in the SE and therefore is of significant nature conservation and scenic value. Ashdown Forest lies on the highest point of the High Weald. It is visually prominent and affords great views in and out of the area. This is a place of great richness and diversity with a unique history and status. The great open sweeps of brown and purple heathland stand out in stark contrast to the surrounding green luxuriance of the rest of the High Weald. Crown copyright all rights reserved East Sussex County Council

3 Ashdown Forest Characteristics Broad, exposed open heathland ridges. Outstanding views from higher ridges. Landmark pine clumps with Winnie the Pooh association. Extensive woodland (42.5% wooded); predominantly oak-birch woodland, with fine oak and beech woodland on the fringes. Shady, secluded ghyll streams with hammer ponds. Large country houses, some associated with significant designed landscapes and parkland. Indications of human activity of significant archaeological importance. Remoteness Problems, pressures, detracting features Ashdown Forest is a fragile landscape that is vulnerable to disturbance. Heavy recreational use, particularly by horse riders, leading to erosion and scarring. Fast traffic on highly visible ridgetop roads crossing the Forest. e.g. A22 Traffic also conflicts with the need for open grazing. Informal Car Parks. Loss of heath due to the spread of bracken and scrub, particularly the spread of Scots Pine and Rhododendron. Forest area and habitat fragmented. Gentrification. Military training area. Listening station masts at Camp Hill. Large areas under private ownership. Uncontrolled fires cause devastation. Common land rights make it harder to manage. Vision An unfragmented Forest area, with extensive woodland and remote wild areas in the interior, surrounded by woodland. Through traffic reduced and controlled. Recreation managed to optimise public enjoyment and provide benefits to the local economy. Landscape action priorities Reduce traffic speeds and numbers with traffic management measures compatible with the Forest s character. Management and zoning of recreation to protect and extend remote and tranquil areas. Continue and extend work on restoring grazing and conserving heathland. Control spread of scrub and continue fire control program. Seek opportunities for all land within the Pale to be managed as heathland and to incorporate public access. Manage and restore woodlands on the fringes of the Forest and in the ghylls and valleys. 2

4 Upper Ouse Valley some parkland and heathland incised roadways parks and gardens some significant designed landscapes undulating terrain with broad valleys, but more pronounced relief near N. edge small, winding alder-lined rivers and streams gently sloping river basin abundant tree cover Chailey and Piltdown Commons provide small, fragmented patches of heathland village groups on higher ground dominated by church ragged skyline numerous large ponds 3

5 Upper Ouse Valley 3 This is a gently sloping country of low ridges and wider valleys covered by an intricate pattern of streams and woods. It lies between Wivelsfield Green and Buxted, and includes the valley system of the River Ouse, Longford Stream and the River Uck. Characteristics Small, winding, alder-lined rivers and streams. Predominantly gently undulating terrain with broad valleys, but more pronounced relief near northern edge. Abundant tree cover, with 17.5% woodland and a strong structure of woods, trees, hedges and shaws. Some remote, secluded, unspoiled valleys. Significant designed landscapes, parks and gardens. Village groups dominated by churches. Numerous large ponds. Rock outcrops and incised roadways. Farmhouses and large farmsteads. Rich variety of traditional local building materials. Crown copyright all rights reserved East Sussex County Council Special features Chailey and Piltdown Commons provide small, fragmented patches of heathland. Sheffield Park, Newick Park and Buxted Park.

6 Upper Ouse Valley Problems, pressures, detracting features 400Kv power line traverses the area, passing close to Chailey Common. Several areas of large scale intensive arable farming with loss of hedge structure, especially near Fletching. Coniferisation of larger woods. Loss of some riverside trees due to river management. Numerous large modern farm groups, including battery units. Urban fringe pressures around Newick and Uckfield. Some open built-up edges around Uckfield. Vision A gentle, quiet landscape of remote, secluded valleys and winding streams, with a strong pattern of woods, trees and hedges. Character of existing settlements retained and urban development controlled with good design and spatial planning. Landscape action priorities Restore and strengthen tree and woodland structure, encouraging farm conservation schemes and woodland management. Encourage screening of farm groups as part of these schemes. Protect and enhance the remote qualities of river valleys. Enhance tree cover and wildlife habitats along rivers, promoting farm conservation schemes. Soften the edges of Uckfield by tree planting etc. In the long term, seek undergrounding of 400Kv line, particularly near Chailey Common. Protect and enhance designed landscapes and features of archaeological significance. Management of urban fringes. Use the planting and green networks to contain existing and proposed development. 3