Work is underway on this season's work to restore the heathland, previously lost to conifer plantations since the 1950s.
We're removing planted Scots Pines to open up areas where heathland has previously been. Over the next few years this will develop into a glorious heath, buzzing with wildlife.
The view of the High Weald is reappearing after being hidden for decades....
The logs are being taken for use in construction, furniture making, fencing and even horse bedding. The branches and needles will be chipped and taken to generate electricity.
We're also removing the dense, impenetrable, self-seeded pine. This has to be done tree-by-tree... and there are acres of this! Around half will be removed this year.
Restoring Broadwater Warren is a big job and is going to take several more years yet. The ground that is newly opened up must be managed to keep the pines and birch under control so that the buried heather seeds get chance to germinate. We'll let the heather develop, as well as encouraging scrubby areas and a wide mix of habitat niches. This will be great for wildlife and a great place to explore for our visitors, especially children and also wildlife enthusiasts.
You can see a map of the area where we're working here.
Years of planning and consultation has got us this far. We're grateful to the suport of our visitors, our partners (the Forestry Commission and Natural England), and our funders which include the SITA Trust, Biffa, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.