High Weald AONB
The term 'Weald' is given to the area between the North and South Downs which are the outer chalk rims of the ancient Wealden anticline. The sandstones and clays of the exposed centre of the dome, the 'High Weald' give rise to a hilly, broken and remote country of ridges and valleys. In contrast, open areas of the AONB include Ashdown Forest and, to the east, the river valleys of the Rother, Brede and Tillingham. The AONB meets the coast at Hastings.
A close patchwork of small fields, hedges and woodland patterns the rolling landscape which is characterised by its distinctive brick, tile and white weatherboard houses, its oasthouses and also by the traces of the ancient Wealden iron industry including traditional hammer ponds.
The dense forest which gave the Weald its name has largely vanished, but fine ancient broadleaved woodland is still abundant, particularly in the deep ghylls which incise the ridges. The Weald retains one of the highest levels of woodland cover in the country at over 23 per cent. Other important habitats include the rare lowland heath of Ashdown Forest and unimproved grassland.
Agriculture is central to the rural economy and includes dairying, mixed farming and horticulture. Forestry remains a traditional Wealden industry. There are no major settlements, but many smaller villages. The AONB is an important visitor destination for the South East and local authority policy encourages appropriate development of tourism and recreation.
For further information, visit the High Weald AONB website (www.highweald.org/).
Content supplied by the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (www.aonb.org.uk/)
