(very good usually !) I live reasonably close by, and have often enjoyed a peaceful walk here with my daughter's relatively small dog. I always keep it on a lead in the nature reserve. I started to walk around the entire perimeter clockwise. However, about half way around I came across a dozen or so cows. And almost all of them had quite a large calf with them. It probably explains what followed. The track around the reserve is often quite narrow, and in places the cows sometimes blocked the path. And they became quite agitated and aggressive when I approached and tried to walk around them. Often I had to retreat into the trees to avoid them. Most of the way around and much to my relief, I eventually reached a clearing with a gate out of the reserve and onto a private road not far from the car park. Sheep in the reserve would have been OK. But, in my opinion, a significant number of cows and calves roaming freely was not sensible.

Peaceful nature reserve where a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, large areas of heather and boggy ponds create a haven for birds such as the nightjar. The reserve heads downhill to a pleasant valley, with a small steam running along its base. An information board at the entrance describes how the reserve's elevated position and extensive coverage of pine trees lends it a similar feel to places in northern England, a statement with some credibility. Long walks around the forest and surrounding heathland are possible, including to the picturesque Garden of Eden Waterfall. You'll likely see some animals on the way, with cattle and ponies grazing in the area. There's a parking area at the top of the hill, £5 for all day through Horizon Parking as with all the other Ashdown Forest parking places. Once paid you can use any of the affiliated parking areas.

Very peaceful and picturesque reserve. Great wildlife and walks. Easy parking (need to pay). Recommended

A beautiful place, even in the middle of the winter I found a very charming and relaxing place. There are lots of birds (for bird watchers) to look at it and the most what I found existed was the caws and horses (if you are lucky enough to see them). Beautiful.

Beautiful place for a walk with extensive views across the Weald. Plenty of birds and wildlife to see. The Pine trees, Gorse and relatively high elevation (for Sussex) give it the feel of somewhere you’d find in the North of England. They also have grazing cattle freely roaming the site. It’s a quiet and tranquil place. Spent a few hours here mid week and didn’t see a single other person.