R E P O R T

C o n s e r v a t i o n

H i s t o r y

H e a t h l a n d M a n a g e m e n t

D e s i g n a t i o n s

W i l d l i f e

V o l u n t e e r s

E d u c a t i o n

A N N U A L

One of the largest public access spaces in the South East

THE CONSERVATORS OF ASHDOWN FOREST

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Ashdown Forest

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2015/16 has been a year of considerable achievement on the Forest. Natural England have agreed a ten year funding programme under the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Our funding has increased from £315,000 to £550,000. We have drawn up a comprehensive 5 year Conservation Plan and set up management arrangements to monitor its delivery. This covers woodland as well as heathland The state of the Forest has been assessed by Natural England. Only 10% is in favourable condition but 90% is improving. However this gives us a considerable challenge. We are also carrying out a review of future governance. In addition to all this, the normal work of the Forest continues with: Rangers carrying out their multitude of tasks. Sheep, cattle and ponies helping with conservation and being looked

after with loving care. Byelaw enforcement. Controlling our budgets. Our excellent and expanding volunteer and Education programme. Improvements to the Forest Centre with insulation for the Education

Barn, a new boiler and a new sewage system. Many thanks to all the staff, partners and volunteers who have made all this possible.

Chairman’s Report Roy Galley

Arum and Delta, Riggit Galloway cattle

Emperor Dragonfly

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About Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest comprises 2590 hectares (6400 acres) of common land set aside by the Royal Commission in 1691. It is an ancient area of tranquil open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is one of the largest free public access spaces in the South of England. Although Ashdown Forest is seen as a wild and natural place the way it looks has been directly influenced by the activities of man over the course of millennia. The Forest has a strong manufacturing as well as agricultural element to its history. It was used extensively for grazing, fuel production for hearths and smelting, iron working, timber production and, of course, hunting by the elite.

Historic Context

In 1987 the then owner of Ashdown Forest, Earl de la Warr, indicated his intention to sell the Forest and manorial rights, and on 25 November 1988 the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) acquired the freehold. This is held by ESCC as Trustee under the terms of the Ashdown Forest Trust, set up in 1988, which is a charitable trust. The responsibility for managing Ashdown Forest lies with an independent body, the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest. Eight members are appointed by East Sussex County Council, two are appointed by Wealden District Council, five are elected by local Commoners and one (the Chairman of the County Council) represents the owner of the Forest. Originally set up in 1885, the Board has been regulated under a series of Acts of Parliament, the most recent being the Ashdown Forest Act 1974. There, in section 16, it is stated that...

Ownership and Management

Protection and Designations

Ashdown Forest's ecological importance as a unique area of lowland heathland has been recognised by its designation by the UK government as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its heathland habitats. It is part of the European Natura 2000 network as it hosts some of Europe's most threatened species and habitats.

"It shall be the duty of the Conservators at all times as far as possible to regulate and manage the forest as an amenity and place of resort subject to the existing rights of common upon the forest and to protect such rights of common, to protect the forest from encroachments, and to conserve it as a quiet and natural area of outstanding beauty".

Subsequent Legislation

Subsequent legislation that affects the management of the Forest includes The Wildlife and Countryside Act, the 1992 EC Habitats Directive, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW), the Commons Act, The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. This extensive legislation relates mostly to protection of wildlife but also to the duties of local authorities regarding biodiversity and to the status of Common Land in the modern age.

Common Blue Butterfly

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Staff

Highlights from the Director Pat Buesnel

Volunteers

Annual Volunteer BBQ

Volunteer led Dawn Chorus Bird Walk

With walking the number one activity we have been pleased to either or-ganise or support a number of walk-ing related activities: Weekly Health Walks, led by our

trained volunteers, with around 50 walkers each week

Seasonal Poetry walks led by Po-et in Residence, Sian Thomas

Dawn Chorus and Nightjar Sunset specialist bird walks

Sheep Proof Your Dog training for dog walkers

Support to the Wealden and Eastbourne Walking Festival and National Garden Scheme

Walking

New wood burner boiler

128 volunteers 5,083 volunteer hours provided

It’s been a very busy year for our small dedicated staff team both with the day to day running and Forest management and the transition from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme to Countryside Stewardship in January 2016. During the year we said ‘goodbye’ to Ros Marriott after many years’ service and welcomed Kirsty Dirs as Clerk and Louise Meehan as Finance Officer – little did they know that their first winter here at the Forest Centre would be remembered as very cold! A big ‘thank you’ to all staff for their patience and good humour following the condemnation of the boiler and heating system in December and the following three months of ‘make do’ heating.

Our volunteer team support us in a huge variety of ways bringing with them commitment, time and expertise – nothing it seems is too much to ask of them! The Lord Lieutenant was so impressed by what he heard on his visit in 2015 that he encouraged us to think about applying for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. The Chair of Wealden District Council provided the nomination and Ashdown Forest Riding Association and Cats Protection supplied recommendations – an assessment interview was undertaken including a meeting with volunteers from across the teams. This Award would be a fantastic acknowledgement of the value of our volunteers and the esteem in which they are held by staff and Conservators alike.

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“No one will protect what they don’t care about and no one will care about what they have never experienced” (David Attenborough 2010)

Education Programme

Our Education Programme goes from strength to strength. Continued financial support from the Friends and from January 2016 Natural England will enable us to develop our school visits programme, outreach work to schools, a regular pre-school group holiday activities and teacher training. We want local children in particular to know, love,

have fun in, cherish and explore their surroundings as they will become Ashdown Forest ‘guardians’, staff and volunteers of the future.

“Thank you so much for a fabulous afternoon. The

children and staff all enjoyed your session and learnt

a lot too”

“Thank you so much for the forest school - I can honestly say Nathan loved every minute of it and has talked about nothing else since”

“Such a valuable experience for the children thank you!”

Remembrance Sunday Over the last few decades this annual event has become a firm fixture in the Forest’s year for staff, residents, volunteers and visitors from farther afield. Up to 2000 people walk or ride to the Airman’s Grave to pay their respects on this special day, wreaths are laid, the Act of Remembrance is read, a bugler plays the Last Post and weather permitting there is a fly past by a Tiger Moth. Staff and volunteers work hard to ensure the event is well organised, safe and enjoyable.

Airman’s Grave

Teacher Lisa Stevens at a primary school outreach session

Toddler Group

Air Vice-Marshal Kyle and Paul Gardiner

Den building

1,992 children reached Engaged with 32 different schools 3 play scheme days and 2 parent and toddler sessions

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Ranger Reports - A Brief Overview of the Year

East Chase: The long dry spell in the spring raised the fire risk to high; however we were fortunate that the 2 fires which did occur were started in a position which enabled them to be controlled quickly and without too much damage to the Forest. Earlier in the spring we were able to execute two good back burns, behind Blackhill and Kidds Hill, which were then grazed by our sheep.

We are continuing the deer culling programme . We succeeded with the trial of 20 does last spring and the stalkers feel they can achieve more as they will have a longer period to work. Still doing small numbers but every little helps with the reduction of the overpopulation of the area and the high deer casualties on the road.

North Chase: I spent most of September spraying Rhododendron which had previously been cut by volunteers and the Community Payback Teams. A priority job, as Rhododendron ponticum is highly invasive and expensive to eradicate. Much of this work was carried out on the South Chase as well as in the Golf Course woodland.

Linton’s Car Park has had a make over. The Probation Service and ESCC Social Services Conservation Team from South View Close are providing valuable man power including cutting logs for sale in the Barn, turf stripping the new wild flower meadow, repairing Broadstone Car Park and tidying up the Hotel verge.

South Chase: The Countryside Team and I worked really hard to complete all our in-house scrub clearance / tree thinning before the bird-nesting season – Lower Misbourne Farm, Spring Garden, Chestnut Farm and behind the Nutley Arms. Then we moved on to an exhaustive programme of fence repairs around the grazing enclosure in readiness for the Commoners’ cattle and sheep to go back out on the Forest. We also introduced some of our Hebridean sheep to a small enclosure near Upper Misbourne Farm, known as “Ardens”.

Unfortunately I was kept busy with many incidents of sheep worrying by dogs again this summer, including four fatal attacks in as many days. We have cut and treated American Black Cherry (a highly invasive alien species) at Paynes Hill, Fairwarp and sprayed Rhododendron ponticum regrowth near Duddleswell.

West Chase: The Conservation Volunteers have been doing an excellent job thinning woodland in the Vachery alongside the Gorge. The work here has made a substantial change to the walk down alongside the gorge, letting in lots of light, opening up the views and drying the paths. The Forest Countryside Team worked hard to stock proof areas of the Forest, for all manner of grazing, then moved onto the Forest wide litter pick. Once this was completed we started tidying all Forest furniture (posts, barriers and signs).

Hebridean lamb

Litter pick in progress

Fallow deer

Wild flower meadow

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Director Pat Buesnel, Kathryn Aalto and Ranger Mike Yates

Partnerships and Networks include:

The Conservators of Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest Visitor

Management

Ashdown Forest Riding Association

Parish Liaison Panel

Sussex Pony Association

Cats Protection

Commoners

Residents

Ashdown Forest Tourist

Association

Friends of Ashdown Forest

Book Launch —’The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh’, Kathryn Aalto

BBC Countryfile filming on Ashdown Forest

BBC Countryfile

Having supported author Kathryn Aalto when researching her book during 2014/15 we were delighted to host the book launch at the Forest Centre in October. It has since sold well and was referred to in the Countryfile programme. Kathryn will be joining us again this Autumn when we put on a Winnie-the-Pooh Family Amble as part of the Wealden and Eastbourne Walking Festival.

We were pleased to be approached by BBC Countryfile for inclusion in the Sussex based edition shown on the 20th March. In the lead up we discussed a number of story lines with the programmes’ researchers whose only crite-ria were that we had to include something on Winnie- the- Pooh! Filming took place on the 4th March with Conservation Officer Steve Alton and Matt Baker discussing the importance of heathland whilst walking (with great difficulty!) through the tussocks of purple moor grass; Grazing Officer Caroline FitzGerald then introduced Matt to our beautifully behaved Exmoor ponies, followed by Ranger Chris Sutton taking presenter Ellie on the Pooh Walk from Gills Lap pointing out the changes in the

landscape since A.A. Milne’s time. It took a great deal of time to get the finished articles ‘in the can’ but worth it to get our important messages across to such a wide audience. We have received positive feedback from viewers.

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Clerk’s Report Kirsty Dirs

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have now signed, on behalf of the Secretary of State, the Bye-law fine increase to Standard Scale 2 – a fine not exceeding £500. Signage across the Forest and on various media channels has and will be updated accordingly.

Bye-law breaches are maintained and managed through the Management Information database where it is possible to extract specific and measurable information and identify possible trends. Fly-tipping and the dumping of garden waste remain widespread problems throughout the Forest although known perpetrators have been quick to resolve issues cordially.

Bye-Law Breaches

Encroachments

A number of minor encroachments have been identified and raised to ESCC. These include the placement of deer fencing outside a property boundary and the use of fishing wire to erect a deer proof fence on Forest land.

Commercial Dog Walking Licences / Commercial Filming Licences

A review of the current charges for Professional Dog Walking Licences and Commercial Filming Licences has been conducted with the view to amending the pricing structure to allow preferential rates for local businesses whilst increasing the charges for corporates and large organisations. Similarly the cost of the Commercial Dog Walking Licence will be increased and the activity badged.

Frost covered gorse

Pack Horse Bridge

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Planning objections and proposals are being closely monitored within a 15km radius for Wealden District Council in relation to large extensions, new builds and developments. Planning comments and decisions are managed through the Management Information database.

Planning

An office redesign has been undertaken to allow Charlie, Louise and Kirsty to share the same space. This has worked well and been well received by both staff and visitors. Further internal changes will be implemented in due course to maximise space and organise the office more effectively.

Governance Review

The Conservators began consultations with the Commoners and local community in January 2016 to raise awareness and seek opinion of a proposed change in the governance of Ashdown Forest. The Commoners expressed strong views they would not wish to see the Ashdown Forest Act 1974 repealed as this Act offers protection to the Forest as a place of ‘amenity and resort’. Concerns around funding were also voiced. The Review continues through 2016.

Forest Centre Annual Commoners’ Meeting 2016

With the resignation of Diana Hurrell, a double election was announced for the Commoners’ AGM in March; however unusually only one nomination was received for the two vacancies. Mr John Spicer was duly re-elected. A further election was called as requested by the Commoners.

View across to Nutley windmill

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Conservation Report Steve Alton

2015-16 marked the transition from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme, which had funded conservation work on the Forest for ten years, to its successor scheme, Countryside Stewardship. In order to support our application for this new funding, a 5-year management plan was produced during the autumn and winter of 2015. This plan, along with a substantial application form, was submitted to Natural England in November and we were delighted to hear that not only had we been successful but that we have been awarded a 10-year, rather than the usual 5-year, agreement.

Other initiatives under the new scheme include the crea-tion of new ponds and the restoration of many of the existing ponds across the Forest, an increased programme of controlled burning of gorse, and the introduction of a ‘cut-and-collect’ approach to our mowing regime.

Control of invasive species – both native and non-native – is another important element of the scheme, with particular emphasis on Rhododendron, Scots pine and bracken.

The Countryside Stewardship agreement runs from the 1st January 2016, and already good progress has been made, with all our livestock out on the Forest in good time and the programme of pond work under way.

Riggit Galloway herd

Controlled gorse burning

Installation of ‘invisible’ fencing cables

The focus of Higher Level Stewardship was on removing and then preventing the spread of scrub on the Forest, which has largely been successful; the aim of Countryside Stewardship is to build on this by increasing diversity in the heathland areas through an expanded grazing programme. This will involve expanding our own grazing operation as well as encouraging Commoners to exercise their grazing rights on the Forest. In order to accommodate additional livestock, we continue to trial the system of ‘invisible’ fencing introduced in the spring of 2015. We will also be expanding our grazing team through the recruitment of two additional members of staff.

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In general, the mild winter seems to have benefitted many species that make their home on the Forest which, combined with improved habitat management, has resulted in dramatic displays of some of our rarities. The wetland fungus Bog beacon (Mitrula paludosa) has appeared in a number of sites, and the rare Bird’s-nest orchid (Neottia nidus-avis) is having a particularly good year. Areas of heath that have been

grazed in recent years are starting to show regeneration not only of heather but of some of the more unusual species, such as the Round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Our new Countryside Stewardship scheme should ensure that this gradual improvement continues for at least the next decade.

Round-leaved sundew

Collisions between deer and vehicles continue to be amongst the highest in the country and the winter of 2015/16 saw us continue our trial programme of culling on the Forest in an attempt to address this issue. Three areas are stalked by highly trained and qualified professionals, all of whom are extremely sensitive to the health and safety implications of shooting on a site with 24 hour public access. Once again, the cull target was reached without incident.

Bog beacon

Bird’s-nest orchid

Deer collision sign on the Forest

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Reserves Summary at Year End 31 March 2016

RESERVES AT 31 MARCH 2016 General Fund

HLS

Reserves b/f YE 2014/15 £317,723 £128,991

Total Income £406,569 £323,568

Total Expenditure £439,990 £228,355

Reserves at 31 March 2016 £284,302 £224,204

CS

£0

£139,589

£77,949

£61,641

The financial information presented here is extracted from the full annual audited accounts. Its purpose is to highlight visually the different segments of the Board’s Income and Expenditure for the year. To view a full set of these accounts please visit www.ashdownforest.org. The accounts incorporate changes to The Conservators’ largest income stream, received from DEFRA via Natural England solely for the purpose of Conservation work on the Forest. The effect of this on the accounts is partly a timing issue resulting from the termination of the Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) program at the end of 2015 and the commencement of the Countryside Stewardship (CS) program in January 2016. Primarily, however, the new funding will bring with it a 75% increase in income restricted to Conservation work. CS income for the first quarter of 2016 was unbudgeted as the funding offer was unknown until the end of 2015. It should be noted that grants for these programs are accrued in the 2015/16 accounts as funds are awarded in arrears. While the HLS and CS budgets ended in surplus, the General budget resulted in a deficit as a consequence of the unexpected condemnation of the centre’s boiler, its urgent replacement and associated heating system upgrade at a cost of almost £50,000.

RESERVES POLICY as agreed by the Board of the Conservators on 21 March 2016 1. It is the Board's policy to maintain an

Overheads Reserve equal to six months salaries and administration costs. The salaries accounted for exclude staff costs covered by Countryside Stewardship grant funding.

2. The Board will maintain Discretionary

Reserves which will be allocated to earmarked reserves, to be reviewed annually.

Financial Information for Year ending 31st March 2016 Tony Reid - Chairman of Finance and General Purposes Committee

Income receipts were greater than budgeted as a consequence of improvement in virtually all sectors, the largest being a grant associated with the new CS program. The bulk of costs are staff-related, with staff changes and recruitment costs resulting in a slight increase in budget. The increase reported in administration overheads reflects some of the costs related to the heating upgrade. Information Centre and Forest Centre development unbudgeted expenditure were largely offset by restricted grant funding for specific projects. The most notable aspect of these accounts is the increased component derived from HLS and the new CS program. This aspect of the accounts will be even more pronounced in future.

View of Friends Clump

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Notes:

Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to HLS 86,809

Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to CS 61,641

Surplus / (Deficit) attributable to Core Activities (25,017)

403,492 Grants 550,967

103,988 Charitable Receipts and Donations

102,744

180,979 Licences & Forest Rate 177,462

14,126 Visitors 17,387

18,998 Sundry Receipts 17,725

8,249 Financial 3,441

729,832 TOTAL INCOME 869,726

2014/2015 INCOME SUMMARY 2015/2016

£ £

£ £

373,189 Staff Costs 387,199

68,675 Administration Overheads 92,816

22,214 Forest Centre Development 13,217

94,043 Operational expenses 67,556

102,728 HLS conservation (excluding staff costs)

79,690

- CS conservation (excluding staff costs)

38,051

24,104 Financial 23,844

684,954 Total non capital Expenditure

702,373

29,183 Capital expenditure 43,920

714,137 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 746,294

15,695 SURPLUS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE

123,432

2014/2015 EXPENDITURE SUMMARY 2015/2016

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Elected Commoner Conservators

East Sussex County Council appointees

Roy Galley Chairman of the Board Elected 2013

John Francis Chairman of the Conservation Committee Elected 2015

Philip Glyn Vice Chairman of the Conservation Committee Elected 2014

John Spicer Chairman of the Roads, Planning and Amenities Committee Elected 2011

Cllr John Barnes Vice Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee

Diana Hurrell Chairman of the Finance and General Purposes Committee (until November 2015) Elected 2012

Cllr Colin Belsey Lord of the Manor Representing the Ashdown Forest Trust

Michael Cooper Tony Reid Vice Chairman of the Board Chairman of Finance and General Purposes Committee (from November 2015)

Cllr Richard Stogdon Cllr Rosalyn St Pierre Cllr Francis Whetstone Cllr Sylvia Tidy Chairman of the Forest Centre Development Committee

Cllr Lawrence Keeley Cllr Chris Hardy Vice Chairman of the Roads, Planning and Amenities Committee

Cllr Peter Holloway

Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest

Wealden District Council appointees

Director Pat Buesnel

Clerk to the Conservators Rosalind Marriott — to July 2016 Kirsty Dirs — from June 2016

Finance Officer Louise Meehan — from June 2016

Office Administrator Charlotte Bain

Conservation Officer Steve Alton

Grazing Officer Caroline FitzGerald

Grazing Assistant Joe Wallis

Rangers Rich Allum South Chase Mike Payne West Chase Chris Sutton East Chase Mike Yates North Chase

Countryside Workers Colin Lutman Ashley Payne Tom Simon

Caretaker John Ridley

Staff

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Comments Received April 2015 — March 2016

Dawn Chorus Birds Walks ‘I enjoyed the walk enormously and was thrilled to actually see a Dartford Warbler at last!’ ‘Excellent walk this morning, many thanks to all those involved. Weather perfect and seeing four Dartford warblers a great bonus!’ ‘It was a great walk, A big thank you to all in-volved in the event. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants.’

Sheep Proof your Dog Training Sessions ‘This is fantastic!’ Got a chance to put the training to the test at Hollies yesterday — sheep in the car park and I had to drag Roxy towards them! I met a lady with her black lab who had similar success.’ ‘I went with my dog a couple of years ago and he is not bothered by sheep anymore.’

Remembrance Sunday ‘The {Certificate of Appreciation} award has been made to you by the Board of Trustees of The Royal British Legion in grateful acknowledgement of your services to the Poppy Appeal... The Support you have given throughout the years has been a source of inspiration and encouragement.’

Forest Events Publication of “The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh” ‘Thank you again for making me so welcome and I thank you and other members of your team for organising a really great event.’ ‘The launch was great, and Pat and Mike were hugely helpful so I’m really grateful to them, and to you for all your help with organising the event and making it go so smoothly!’ Star Gazing Evening ‘I enjoyed it and so did my family’ ‘Very informative. Thanks for the opportunity.’ Staff Talks Thank you Steve Alton for a very interesting and informative talk—excellent—everyone was very appreciative. Above all thank you all for your enthusiasm and commitment to the Forest.’

Volunteer Events ‘Please pass on our grateful thanks to all the staff. We very much appreciate the amount of effort that went into making it an enjoyable evening.’ ‘Thank you very much to you and your lovely staff for a great evening and delicious food. The ‘do’s’ that you put on twice a year for the volunteers are very much appreciated.’ ‘Thank you very much for the party last evening; everyone worked so hard to make it a lovely occasion for all of us.’

Information Barn ‘This place is really good. I love all the facts and activities here.’ ‘Lovely friendly, helpful staff.’ ‘The place has been well developed…..is welcoming and user friendly and good educationally.’ ‘Very impressed by how well maintained, educational and interesting this centre is. Keep up the good work!’

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The Conservators of Ashdown Forest The Ashdown Forest Centre

Wych Cross Forest Row East Sussex RH18 5JP

01342 823583

conservators@ashdownforest.org

www.ashdownforest.org