Open vistas of heather, with areas of pine woodland and fascinating archaeological features, set in the heart of the Ashdown Forest.
Location: on the B2026 between Maresfield and Hartfield
Tel: 01273 492630
Website: Sussex Wildlife Trust
Grid Reference: TQ469306(OS Map)
OS Map: 135 (Explorer, 1:25,000)
Terrain: Some stiles and steep slopes
Route: Well marked nature trail
Directions/Transport: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233 for details
Car Park Information: Small car park available
Features: Silver-studded blue butterflies; acid water-loving dragonflies; nightjar, redstart, woodcock, tree pipit, stonechat and adder.
Opening Times: All year
Prices: Free
Dogs Allowed: No
Downloads: 
Old Lodge Trail (2.37 MB)
Site Enhancements 2009 - 2012
Heathland is a priority habitat in the UK, with much having been lost over the past century, and this has been the focus of these enhancements.
The works involved the removal of bracken by mechanical and chemical means, to create bare areas that are gradually being colonised by the desired heathland plants. The initially bare areas are of benefit to nesting woodlark. Over time, the linking of heathland areas benefits species such as nightjar and Dartford warbler.This work also benefits land outside the Old Lodge boundaries, by contributing to the continuous mosaic of heathland across the adjoining Ashdown Forest.
Both Old Lodge, and the wider Ashdown Forest is covered in archaeological evidence: ranging from as early as the stone age (mesolithic period ), 8,000years ago; through Roman and Norman Britain; and continuing to the more recent past with First and Second World War military archaeology. Other project work in the Weald Forest Ridge LPS, including the undertaking of a LiDAR survey, helped Sussex Wildlife Trust find out more about Old Lodge's history and has enabled them to conserve archaeological features within their site management proposals.
The 2009 - 2012 site enhancements were funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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