This important woodland is situated on the north-eastern fringe of East Grinstead on the border within the nationally designated High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, it totals over 25 hectares in size, a significant proportion of which is Ancient Woodland that has been present for several centuries or more. It forms an invaluable habitat to a very wide range of plants and animals and provides a very popular area for informal recreation, being close to people's homes. It is registered as a BBC Breathing Places Site - a small pocket of nature to escape urban life! See below for special Breathing Places Events.
A Brief History
In 1949 the woodland and associated estate was conveyed to the East Grinstead War Memorial Limited to be the town's war memorial for those lost in the 1939-45 war. The Charitable Company was invested with the aim to provide and maintain a public park for the general public and in particular the people of East Grinstead. Much of the previously managed woodland had been neglected in recent years and a 40 year lease for its management was signed with Mid Sussex District Council in 1997. This will ensure the woodland remains a safe, attractive environment, with a variety of managed wildlife habitats. A Steering group comprising representatives from the landholders, local community, ward Councillors, local Councils and Conservation lead bodies was established, to provide guidance on the future management of the site.
Flora and Fauna
The woodland is typical of the High Weald landscape clothing the ridges and valley sides right down to the banks of the two streams that converge at the wood's southern tip. The bulk of the wood is characterised by predominant Oak and Ash and the associated shrub layer of coppice Hazel, Holly and Hawthorn. The ground flora is rich and carpeted with the flowers of bluebells and wood anemones in the spring. The re-introduction of coppicing and restoration of glades and an old meadow, increases light penetration and benefits the flora, butterflies and other insects. Several ponds are present each with an interesting character and a variety of associated aquatic plants and insects. Amphibians and reptiles are common visitors to these features with the protected Great Crested Newt being a notable resident. The higher slopes of the wood have been laid to a plantation of Sweet Chestnut that is cut for timber on a regular coppice cycle. A broad array of birdsong is prevalent all year round and the resident population of small mammals includes the protected Dormouse.
Getting Involved
The woodland is managed and maintained by Mid Sussex District Council working in partnership with local conservation agencies and the Ashplats Wood Conservation Group. The Conservation Group was formed by local residents keen to be involved in conserving and enhancing the varied habitats the wood affords and promoting the benefits it provides to local people. They carry out monthly working parties in the wood tackling a variety of conservation tasks including the following:
- Pond restoration
- Coppicing
- Control of invasive Species
- Path and ride maintenance
- Glade creation and improvement
- Surveying and monitoring wildlife populations
Nature Reserve Leaflet
This colourful and informative leaflet contains location maps and plans of Ashplats Wood, East Grinstead, and include information on wildlife, history and how the site is managed.
To view a copy of the leaflet click on the links below, to download to your computer right click on the link and select Save Link/Target As.....
Ashplats Wood, East Grinstead - (195KB)
Contacts
Management: 01444 477392 Email: ParksOpenSPaces@midsussex.gov.uk
Area Ranger: 01444 477561 Email: rangers@midsussex.gov.uk
Downloads/Links
Contacts
Park Rangers
tel: 01444 477561
Landscapes
tel: 01444 477439
