Some paths may be muddy in the winter; in the summer there are some snakes adders are the only poisonous ones, however rarely attack humans, dogs can be killed by Adder Venom
Often there are deep pools, which can be nice to swim in from this area's idilic industrial past, but children should always be accompanied, monsters from the deep are rare.
Car parks are generally free of crime, however it is always important as with any car park to ensure that valuables are hidden out of site or taken with you. Please remember if you do not want to take your dog with you paths can be muddy to give an area of shade for your animal and keep the windows open. dogs die in hot cars
Some paths may lead abruptly onto often fast roads; for your children's and pet's safety keep listening out for cars and if in any doubt keep more adventurous animals on a lead.
In the summer months the whole forest is at risk from wildfires, please do not smoke for your own health and the forest's and Do not light fires.
further information
Please note, much of this information has been modified from the Ashdown Forest Tourism Site; however I and Wikitravel and its users have permission to use this information
flora and fauna
Ashdown Forest covers 14,000 acres of lowland heathland which has never been under the plough and so provides a unique habitat for many species of flora and fauna.
There are several hundred deer, mainly Roe and Fallow and including small numbers of Muntjac and Sika, living happily in the woodland areas. Nightjar and Stonechat, Skylark and Meadow Pipit, Dartford Warbler and Woodcock are among the birds which enjoy the gorse and heather habitat. Many rare species of butterfly, moth and dragonfly are also to be seen, as are adders and a small number of grass snakes.
The whole area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty OANB