About The Ashdown Forest Foundation

The Ashdown Forest Foundation is the official fundraising charity of Ashdown Forest, one of the largest open access areas in South East England. We are an independent charity, governed by an autonomous and experienced board of trustees who oversee our work.

The Ashdown Forest Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (number 1183829) and registered company (11624110). We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator to ensure we meet consistently high fundraising standards.

Meet our Board of Trustees

The Ashdown Forest Foundation is guided by seven independent Trustees who volunteer their time to support the charity.

Together, the Trustees bring a wide range of experience and expertise in fundraising, events management, finance, and conservation. We are proud to support this enchanted place by funding projects as set out by Ashdown Forest and through the generosity of our supporters to secure and safeguard the future of Ashdown Forest to the benefit of nature, the Forest’s visitors and those engaged in education.

Meet our team

Today the Foundation employs one part-time member of staff. Katie Jones spearheads our fundraising initiatives, working closely with the Conservators of Ashdown Forest to understand their needs and priorities, exploring appropriate funding opportunities wherever possible.

Katie brings a wealth of experience from the charity sector, having worked previously for The Sara Lee Trust, the Pestalozzi International Foundation, and Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, where she was responsible for all aspects of fundraising across nine museum and gallery venues.

“East Sussex is my home, and Ashdown Forest is a big part of what makes it special,” said Katie. “I’m passionate about working to make a big difference to this wonderful and well-loved landscape, and spending more time getting to know its supporters in all shapes and sizes.”

You can contact Katie at hello@ashdownforestfdn.org.