130million years in 30 minutes! A very brief talk about the history of Ashdown Forest. How society and human hand has shaped the Forest to what we know and love today.

From an early age Ash has been passionate about wildlife and conservation. Growing up in the Yorkshire countryside provided early experiences that led him to realise that he wanted to have a career in the conservation industry with the aspiration of one day managing important habitats, to not only maintain, but to enhance biodiversity. Ash has obtained a degree in Wildlife and Conservation and a Level 4 Diploma in Arboriculture. He has worked as a Ranger in Surrey and Essex before becoming a Countryside Manager in Kent. Ash joined the Forest in October 2021 and now oversees the day-to-day operations on the Forest.