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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:-

BOOTHLAND WOOD

Boothland Wood was obtained in 1991 under a planning condition linked to the Shepherd’s Gate housing development. The wood is approximately 12.5 acres (5 hectares) and is recorded as being an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland.
The Council has successfully obtained a Forestry Commission grant to carry out much needed conservation work to the wood.

BRIDGE FARM WOOD

Bridge Farm Wood is owned by the Council and runs alongside the old railway line. The wood 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 NATURE RESERVE

The River Uck (formally Iron River) runs through the flood plain also occupied by Hempstead Meadows Local Nature Reserve which is an important area of wetland. 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 Christine Wheatley, C/o Civic Centre, Uckfield Town Council (01825 762774).

LAKE WOOD

Lake Wood (owned by the Woodland Trust) to the north-west of the town features a beautiful lake, created during the late 18th century by damming a ghyll valley. The craggy rock outcrops of Lake Wood are continued in West Park Local Nature Reserve.

NIGHTINGALE WOOD

The wood is a small strip of land on the outskirts of the Harland’s estate which is also covered by a blanket Tree Preservation Order. A public footpath runs through the wood from Bullfinch Gardens to the Eastbourne Road.

WEST PARK LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

West Park Local Nature Reserve (WPLNR) has several access points from West Park and Rocks Park housing estates and a board-walk runs through part of the Reserve. The Reserve is a vestige of ancient parkland, containing herb rich uncultivated wet meadow, woodland, some thriving wildlife and the remains of a Mesolithic settlement. In the spring, frogspawn can sometimes be seen in the pond. Through out the year various events are arranged by the Rangers e.g. bat walks, and working groups and meetings are held to encourage local residents to help preserve the local habitat. The Reserve is managed by the Town Council, Rangers, a management committee and the Friends of West Park. To find out further information about becoming a voluntary warden or to become a Friend of WPLNR please contact Christine Wheatley, C/o Civic Centre, Uckfield Town Council (01825 762774).

UCKFIELD MILLENNIUM GREEN

Uckfield Millennium Green to the south of Uckfield, off New Road, is 22 acres of open space with a hard surfaced meandering path running through it. Access is via the Ridgewood Recreation Ground and Shipreed Lane. There is a dog free picnic area, pond, and numerous informal paths to explore, 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.

PUBLIC FOOTPATHS

Uckfield has a spider’s web of public footpaths radiating out into the countryside in all directions. To the south of the town, off New Road, there is the Millennium Green.

To the south west of the town there is a path to Isfield (about 4 miles). This takes you through the ancient Boothland Wood, owned and managed by the Town Council and where a grand display of bluebells can be seen in the spring. You could take a detour to Victoria Pleasure Ground where you can enjoy the views of the Low Weald and the South Downs.
The path to Buxted runs through Views Wood, an ancient coppice owned by the Woodland Trust then enters Buxted Park, an old deer park, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Here, deer are visible most days, along with lakes, bluebell woods, and the river Uck with all its wildlife.