Car park charges for the Ashdown forest.

I agree with Crowsceptic in that I reckon it's not a big ask to get bikes on the forest. Even if it's just a bit of it. However, I do have to point out that horseriders have, for as long as I can remember, paid an annual fee for a permit to use the forest. It's not cheap either, currently standing at over £100 for the year. I am sure that if bikers were willing to stump up a similar amount that might have more sway with the conservators. I'd also like to stick up for the conservators in the way they have kept the forest free to access for all (except horseriders, but we all understand and are happy to support their work).

The primary aim of the Conservators appears to be to introduce no change at all to the Forest and keep it for the select few, especially horseriders.

I fail to see why people cannot ride a bicycle on the forest, and howanyone can suggest a bicycle will do more damage than a horse!

Having spent 3 or 4 years with a group trying to get Mountain Biking legalised on Ashdown Forest I have learnt a lot about the intricacies and workings of the Forest.

The primary aim of the conservators is not to encourage tourism but to conserve the Forest. When you actually look at their accounts the Forest is run on a very short shoe string. I am presonally not in favour of charging however I can understand the logic behind it. I think a honesty boxes (very secure ones) would probably work almost as well.

This is exactly the thing I am talking about with the bridge.... I have to say well done Mick for being bothered to find out. Part of the wonderousness of the forest is that it is free for all inspite of an ever-more commercialised world. How much is it going to cost to employ wardens to enforce these charges? And how much will the ticket machines cost? Will it really provide any income after costs have been covered?