The warrior-like Ashdown Maiden represented the hunting and military past of this Forest. Many queens and consorts have owned Ashdown through the ages. The Maiden's royal clothes were purple and yellow, to represent the heather and gorse that grows there. The red, fiery decorations on her cloak recalled the iron smelting history of the area.
The Ashdown Forest Centre at Wych Cross is open to visitors and you can find out more about the area in the Information Barn. There are walk routes to suit all abilities on the Forest and spectacular views across the countryside from these breezy, treeless heights.