Council Offices, Civic Centre, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AE
PLACES TO VISIT GALLERY
The Council obtained ownership of Boothland Wood in 1991 under a planning condition linked to the Shepherd’s Gate housing development. The wood is approximately 12.5 acres (5 hectares) and is recorded as being an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland.
The Council has successfully obtained a Forestry Commission grant to carry out much needed work to the wood.
The Local Nature Reserve (LNR) was designated by ESCC in December 2002 and officially opened in July 2004 after improvements had been put in place. The reserve is an ancient wetland formed as part of the River Uck flood plain. Cattle are grazed on the LNR for approximately 6 weeks each autumn as part of the ongoing management plan for the area.
Bridge Cottage, in the middle of the Town is a fine example of a 15th Century Wealden Hall house, which probably dates from 1436. The building is currently leased to the Uckfield & District Preservation Society (UDPS) which is responsible for the majority of the fabric of the building.
Bridge Farm Wood
Bridge Farm Wood is owned by the Council but will be maintained by the developer until 2007. Running alongside the old railway line, the Wood can be accessed from Bridge Farm Road.
The Wood is a small strip of land on the outskirts of the Harland’s estate which is also covered by a blanket TPO. A public footpath runs through the wood from Bullfinch Gardens to the Eastbourne Road with another informal ending at the electricity sub station off Mallard Drive.
The Pond is one of the largest toad crossing and breeding ponds in Sussex. This very important site hosts at least 4 different species of amphibian – common toad (not now so common), common frog, smooth newts and palmate newts.
The Pond is maintained mainly by local volunteers. Adjacent to the pond valuable ancient woodland. The whole woodland is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) and it is important to note that contravention of a TPO is a criminal offence.
Victoria Pleasure Ground
Situated at the top of Old Timbers Lane, off New Town, Victoria Pleasure Ground consists of a children’s play area, basketball courts, tennis courts, football pitch, cricket wicket and sports pavilion. The upstairs of the pavilion is used as the club house for Uckfield Town Football Club.
The LNR was designated on 17 April 1996 by ESCC. The reserve is managed by an ESCC Ranger under direction of a Management Committee for the Town Council working with a 5 year Management Plan.
Visit our page on the Breathing Places website