Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, visited the Ashdown Forest centre to meet with the Ashdown Forest CEO Mark Pearson and catch up on the activities taking place on the Forest.
Mark Pearson joined as CEO of the Forest in January 2024 and is responsible for directing the protection and conservation of Ashdown Forest. He leads a team to deliver the Forest’s management, working closely with the Conservators to set the strategic direction for the Forest.
Nusrat has been working closely with Mark since his appointment and was pleased to meet with him again recently to get an update on ongoing activities regarding animal expansions, deer management, woodland management and environmental protections, new projects to make the Forest more accessible to all visitors, and the programme of activities to celebrate the upcoming celebrations of the centenary of Winnie the Pooh.
The Ashdown Forest Centre has also recently undergone some building works to improve the accessibility of the Centre and The Information Barn and café. These accessibility improvements are in addition to the Changing Places toilet, which was secured thanks to previous Government funding and which Nusrat officially opened in February 2024.
Nusrat Ghani said: “The Ashdown Forest is the jewel in Sussex Weald countryside, enjoyed by many local residents, schools and tourists all year round. It is key all visitors have access to the facilities they need and I am pleased that in addition to the Changing Places toilet, the information centre and cafe are now also fully accessible. Looking after the Forest and ensuring we maintain a healthy, clean and vibrant environment is of critical importance and I continue to work closely with the CEO Mark Pearson and the Ashdown Forest Conservators to ensure that this treasured piece of our countryside is protected."
For more information on what is happening on the Ashdown Forest, please visit www.ashdownforest.org/news.
