Broadwater Forest — Local services in Wealden

Large area of heathland, deciduous woodland and pine plantation, made accessible by a network of well marked paths and boardwalks. The site is managed by the RSPB as a haven for wildlife including birds and reptiles, but it hasn't always been that way. The area was used by the military for training exercises through WW2. A trace of this history survives in the form of a Churchill tank turret partially buried in boggy ground in the woods. There's a free parking area, but no other facilities, so it's a peaceful place for country walks and bird watching. Information boards have been placed around the site at notable locations including the decoy pond and heathland view, so you can learn more about the area while exploring. A credit to the RSPB and great to see an area like this returning to nature. The walk can be extended by heading through the woods to Eridge Rocks, a series of impressive sandstone formations just outside the...

Disappointed that dogs must be on lead at all times. A minority of owners with poor dog recall ability now has meant all dog owners can't let their dogs enjoy anytime off lead here. In addition RSPB seems to have invested precious monies into hiring people to drive around in large vehicles (the irony here of dog owners being blamed for their dogs destroying wildlife whilst large cars drive around doesn't escape me!) whose sole purpose (it seemed to me) is to militantly check your dog is on lead - one was continually tracking me with binoculars! I would warrant the majority of people that visit are nature lovers and own dogs so they are losing out on donations/word of mouth by behaving like this. I have studied environmental management - if areas need such heavy protection they should be entirely fenced off to completely reduce risk and this in the long run would be cheaper than hiring people to have...

Nature trails access

The white Nature trail is 1.5 miles (approx 40 minutes) taking in heathland, woodland and the decoy pond. The first 200m is flat, and hard-surfaced. After that the trail is on an unsurfaced track. There are wide kissing gates adapted for wheelchair and buggy users.

The second is the green heathland and woodland trail which is 3 miles long (approx 2 hours) which takes you round the whole reserve including an optional detour to the heathland viewpoint. This is generally unsurfaced, and can become muddy in autumn and winter. There is a section of boardwalk crossing ecologically important wet woodland, and narrower kissing gates.

Benches can be found along both Trails.

Along both trails there are permanent and temporary...