THE final part of plans to charge for car parking in the Ashdown Forest have been given the go ahead by a senior county councillor. 

Earlier this year, East Sussex County Council signed off on proposals from the Ashdown Forest’s Board of Conservators to begin charging for car parking within the popular landmark. 

The conservators say these charges, which are expected to come into effect next month, are intended to help overcome funding pressures the organisation faces. 

While the earlier decision meant the proposals could move ahead, the forest’s car parks include land in Millbrook Hill, which is owned by East Sussex County Council. 

On Monday (July 18), Cllr Claire Dowling, the council’s lead member for transport and environment, agreed that this land could be included within the conservator’s parking charges area.

As part of these plans the car park is expected to be upgraded with new surfacing and line painting. At the same time, another car park, known locally as the Vachery car park, will be closed.

Ashdown Forest is where author A A Milne lived and created Winnie-the-Pooh and is popular with fans who visit the forest, including Pooh Sticks bridge. The Hundred Acre Wood was inspired by the forest.