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Nature & Wildlife
Spring Wildflowers Return to Ashdown Forest
The ancient heathland is ablaze with colour as bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic carpet the forest floor this April.
Weald Editor·
Welcome to Around the Weald
Stories from the heart of our community
Your local guide to news, events and the people who make the High Weald special. From village fêtes to forest walks, bakeries to bookshops — it all lives here.
Featured
Latest News
What's happening across the Weald
Nature & WildlifeSussex Wildlife Trust
A Badger's Brave New World
Badger cubs are born in February time, but don't appear above ground for another 12 weeks. And what sort of world do they encounter when they do?
Sussex Wildlife Trust·
Nature & WildlifeSouth Downs National Park
Full Steam Ahead! New Section of Centurion Way Opens in South Downs National Park
A new section of the Centurion Way opens in the South Downs National Park, connecting communities and offering walkers and cyclists a stunning route through the landscape.
South Downs National Park·
Nature & WildlifeAshdown Forest Conservators
Notice of Planned Controlled Burn Trial (Feb 2026)
Controlled burning is one of several management techniques that can be used as part of a long-term heathland restoration and management programme at Ashdown Forest.
Ashdown Forest Conservators·
Nature & WildlifeWoodland Trust
Where and When to See Snowdrops
Snowdrops are one of the first signs of spring. Discover where and when to find stunning snowdrop displays in woods across the UK.
Woodland Trust·
Upcoming Events
Join in — there's always something happening
Feb
Family
Wealden Half-Term Family Trail
A self-guided trail through Hailsham town centre with puzzles and prizes for children aged 4–12. Collect your map from the library and follow the clues!
Sat 21 Feb·10:00 – 16:00
Hailsham Library
Free
Mar
Walk & Outdoors
Dark Skies Stargazing at Seven Sisters
Explore the International Dark Sky Reserve with expert astronomers. Telescopes provided — marvel at Jupiter, the Orion Nebula and the Milky Way from one of the darkest spots in south-east England.
Sat 7 Mar·19:30 – 22:00
Seven Sisters Country Park
£5 per person
Mar
Market
Wealden Farmers' Market
Monthly market featuring the best local produce from farms across the High Weald. Fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, free-range meats, baked goods, and seasonal flowers.
Sat 14 Mar·09:00 – 13:00
Crowborough Community Centre
Free entry
Mar
Workshop
Forest Bathing in Broadwater Warren
Slow down and reconnect with nature in this guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) session. Suitable for all fitness levels — no hiking involved, just gentle sensory immersion in the woodland.
Sun 15 Mar·09:30 – 12:00
Broadwater Warren RSPB Reserve
£15
Mar
Walk & Outdoors
South Downs Way Guided Walk — Spring Wildflowers
Join a National Park ranger for a 6-mile guided walk along the South Downs Way, spotting early orchids, cowslips and chalk grassland butterflies. Bring packed lunch and sturdy boots.
Sat 21 Mar·10:00 – 15:00
Ditchling Beacon Car Park
£8 adults, under-16s free
Mar
Family
Bluebell Railway — Mothering Sunday Cream Tea Special
Treat Mum to a vintage steam-train journey through the Sussex countryside with prosecco and a traditional cream tea served in restored Pullman carriages.
Sun 22 Mar·11:00 – 14:00
Sheffield Park Station
£35 adults, £18 children
Got something to share?
Whether it's a community event, a bit of local news, or a notice for the village board — we'd love to hear from you.
Submit contentWildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife spotted across the Weald
iNaturalist
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Brighton, England, GB
benjamin_flatt via iNaturalist
iNaturalist
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Crawley, England, GB
sam88427 via iNaturalist
iNaturalist
Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo
South Downs National Park, Lewes, England, GB
kylesteptoe via iNaturalist
Community
Bluebell
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Woodland near Uckfield
Local community member
Get Out & Explore
Walking, running and cycling routes across the Weald
easy
Ashdown Forest Pooh Sticks Loop
A gentle family walk through A.A. Milne's beloved landscape, passing the famous Pooh Sticks Bridge and the Enchanted Place.
4.8 km
1h 30min
85m
Gill's Lap Car Park, Ashdown Forest
moderate
Crowborough Beacon Ridge Walk
A bracing hilltop walk along the highest point in the High Weald with sweeping views south to the South Downs.
9.5 km
3h
180m
Crowborough Beacon Car Park
hard
Ditchling Beacon Circular
A challenging circuit over the South Downs from Ditchling Beacon, taking in Jack and Jill windmills and stunning chalk escarpment views.
12.8 km
4h 30min
310m
Ditchling Beacon National Trust Car Park
Local Businesses
Support the shops, makers and services that make the Weald
Food & Drink
Featured
The Beacon Bakehouse
Award-winning artisan bakery specialising in sourdough and pastries made with locally milled heritage grain flour.
14 High Street, Crowborough TN6 2QA
01892 610 234
Trades & Crafts
Wealden Woodcraft
Hand-crafted furniture and homewares made from sustainably sourced local timber. Commissions and workshops available.
Unit 3, Station Yard, Uckfield TN22 1EP
01825 768 912
Health & Beauty
Forest Row Yoga Studio
Welcoming studio offering yoga, Pilates and meditation classes for all levels. Drop-ins welcome.
6 The Square, Forest Row RH18 5ES
01342 822 456
https://forestrowyoga.co.uk
For local businesses
Reach your neighbours
Advertise your business to the community that matters most. Affordable, targeted and genuinely local.