The Ashdown Park estate is a haven for nature lovers and curious explorers. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife watcher or just hoping for a magical moment with nature during your stay, the rolling fields, peaceful woodlands and glistening lake offer a place to call home for all varieties of forest wildlife. We have spoken to our Estates team to discover the best spots to meet some Ashdown Forest Friends on our estate!
Frequently spotted, and something the forest is most known for, is the resident deer. These graceful animals are often seen in the early morning, calmly crossing the top fields or even standing quietly on the driveway. During this time of year we see the arrival of very small young deer, barely taller than the grass, keeping close to their mothers. Watching these delicate creatures graze or play from a respectful distance is a truly heart-warming experience and offers a fairy-tale feeling to many of our guests.
Our lake is another hub of life, with shimmering water that hides a bustling underwater world. Koi fish can often be seen darting just beneath the surface, and we’ve made it easy for guests to get involved with fish food available at reception, making it a fun activity for families or anyone wanting to engage with nature in a hands-on way. Just a sprinkle brings the fish up in playful ripples, a gentle reminder of the quieter lives that thrive here.
Earlier this year, we also took a closer look at our smaller, often-overlooked woodland friends through an exciting collaboration with Kent Wildlife. As part of a research and conservation initiative, mostela box cameras were placed discreetly in the woodlands to monitor the movement of small mammals. The results were both surprising and delightful. We captured footage of mice, voles, and shrews, all going about their busy nocturnal routines. The footage gave us a new appreciation for the tiny, hidden world that coexists with ours.
Our ongoing mission is to encourage wildlife to make a habitat of our estate, and one way in which we are doing that is through our Bug Hotel in the Sunken Garden. Handcrafted by Gardener George, the woody layers and small holes offer the perfect space for a variety of bugs to nest. Surrounding the 'hotel' also hang lively bird boxes, making the Sunken Garden the ultimate natural wildlife sanctuary.
So next time you visit, bring your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled, and embrace the peaceful joy of wildlife spotting in Sussex. You might just meet a few new Ashdown Forest friends along the way.