This site is a mixture of broadleaf woodland, coniferous plantations and heathland, easily accessible from the southern edge of Crawley.
Location: either side of the M23, south of Crawley in West Sussex
Tel: 01580 211123
Website: Forestry Commission - link coming soon
Grid Reference: TQ278335(OS Map)
Terrain: Gentle slopes and graded forest paths, some becoming very wet in the winter.
Directions/Transport: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233
Car Park Information: Parking available at Tilgate Park to the north of the Forest.
Download: 
Tilgate Forest Trail (19.13 kB)
What can I do there?
Tilgate Forest provides habitat for a wealth of wildlife including deer (fallow and roe), grass snakes and adders, dormice, solitary bees and wood ants, which you can search for as you walk around the paths.
Ride your mountain bike in the pay to ride area operated in conjunction with CTC. Find out more details.
Volunteers help manage the heathland habitat within the Forest and you can join in with them. Contact the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership for more information.
Visit the adjoining Tilgate Park, with its Nature Centre, GreenZone, Walled Garden, and Cafe.
Site Enhancements 2009 - 2012
Open, heathy clearings were created on ride edges by removing conifers, bracken and scrub and extensive areas of invasive rhododendron were cleared, especially north of the M23.
The main access tracks around the site were regraded and improved. A welcome board was also installed at the entrance to Tilgate Forest from Tilgate Park, along with some chainsaw sculptures.
Additionally, two important surveys were conducted. An ecological survey enabled the Forestry Commission to understand more about the flora and fauna of the site, which has shaped subsequent site management decisions. An in-depth archaeological survey was also undertaken, which unearthed fascinating information about the Forest's uses over hundreds of years.
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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