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Uckfield is on the Southern boundary of the
High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Ashdown Forest
in close vicinity. A number of areas of open land and woodland surround
Uckfield including:-
BOOTHLAND WOOD - The Town Council acquired Boothland Wood in 1991
which at that time had not been maintained for a great number of
years. The wood is approximately 12.5 acres (5 hectares) and is
recorded as being and Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. The Town Council
has successfully obtained grants to carry out much needed work to
the wood and restore it back to its former condition.
 BRIDGE
FARM WOOD
- Bridge Farm Wood is owned by the Town Council
and runs alongside the old railway line. It contains a number of
informal pathways and can be accessed from Bridge Farm Road.
HARLANDS POND
- The Pond is one of the largest toad crossing and breeding ponds
in Sussex. This very important site hosts at least 4 different species
of amphibian - common toad (not now so common), common frog, smooth
newts and palmate newts. The Pond is maintained mainly by local
volunteers. Adjacent to the pond is valuable ancient woodland. The
whole woodland is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and
it is important to note that contravention of a TPO is a criminal
offence.
HEMPSTEAD MEADOWS LOCAL
NATURE RESERVE - The River Uck (formally Iron River) runs through
the flood plain also occupied by Hempstead Meadows Local Nature
Reserve and is an important area of wetland. In order that the Reserve
be protected for perpetuity for current and future generations,
the land is managed by the Town Council and an Advisory Committee
of interested local residents. The aim in the future, with the support
of The Rotary Club, is to establish a Millennium Walk within the
Reserve for all to enjoy. If anybody wishes to be involved with
Hempstead Meadows such as helping to form a “Friends”
group or be a voluntary warden, please contact the Town Council.
NIGHTINGALE WOOD - The wood is a small strip of land on the outskirts
of the Harlands estate which is also covered by a blanket TPO. A
public footpath runs through the wood from Bullfinch Gardens to
the Eastbourne Road with another informal path ending at the electricity
sub station off Mallard Drive.
WEST PARK LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
- The Reserve is located in the residential developments of West
Park and Rocks Park with a number of access points from these areas.
The Reserve is owned by the Town Council and is managed with the
help of a Ranger, a Management Committee and the Friends of West
Park. It is a vestige of ancient parkland containing herb rich uncultivated
wet meadow, woodland, the remains of a Mesolithic settlement and
a great deal of thriving wildlife. Throughout the year a number
of events are  arranged,
such as bat walks, working parties and guided walks to encourage
residents to help preserve the habitats. To find out further information
on becoming a voluntary warden or in becoming a Friend of West Park,
please contact the Town Council.
UCKFIELD MILLENNIUM GREEN - Uckfield Millennium Green to the south
of Uckfield, off New Road, is 22 acres (8.90 hectares) of open space
for the enjoyment of everyone, with a hard surfaced meandering path.
Access is via the Ridgewood Recreation Ground and Shipreed Lane.
There is a dog free picnic area, pond, and numerous informal paths
to explore. There is an abundance of flora and fauna with the land
being kept as natural as possible. You may be lucky enough to see
glow worms, great crested newts, woodpeckers and numerous species
of butterfly.
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