Old Lodge Loop

Old Lodge lies in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, and its character is subtly but noticeably different from lowland heath - such as our other heathland reserve at Iping Common. The geology is slightly different, but more importantly it sits about 130m higher, and that’s enough to make it markedly cooler. This change in temperature leaves Old Lodge with the ‘feel’ of somewhere more associated with the north of Britain.

Old Lodge is an open landscape of heather, grassland and clumps of Gorse, interspersed with Birch and Oak trees. There are also areas of Scots Pine where Coal Tit and Goldcrest sing their thin, tinkling calls, and where there’s a good chance of spotting a Crossbill.

The reserve is situated on the west side of the B2026 between Maresfield and Hartfield, about a third of a mile north of the junction with the B2188 at Kings Standing. Access is directly from the small car park, just north of the Old Lodge private road.

By-laws state that dogs must be on leads 1st January - 30th September. Dogs should be under close control at other times due to the presence of grazing livestock.

For more information, please visit:
www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/old-lodge