The wonder of Wilderness Wood
It’s hard to sum up what to expect from Wilderness Wood. It really is a unique and special place. A visit here always feels wholesome, calming and inspiring. I only visit a few times a year, but each time I discover something new. The wood is always changing, be it through nature or thanks to a new building or forestry project – Wilderness Wood is constantly evolving.
Located just outside of Uckfield in Hadlow Down, Wilderness Wood is essentially a place where adults and children work, live, visit and learn. It’s home to a small community of families and workers. It’s a place of work for crafts people and forestry folk. It’s a place of learning for adults and children – a place that promotes learning outside of the classroom and the development of practical skills and passions. Most importantly, for the likes of you and me – it’s a place that welcomes visitors to their woodland trails, events, café and accommodation.
I recently took the opportunity to explore the woodland trails on a gloriously sunny, winter’s morning. A mid-week visit almost guarantees peace and a degree of solitude. I barely saw another soul on this occasion. I followed the trail past the Cook House and Meeting Place (which is registered for woodland weddings) through the trees, past quirky sculptures and play structures. Hidden at the top of the woodland are a pair of stunning cabins crafted from trees grown here. Aptly named Dumbledore and Yaffle and available to book through Canopy & Stars these dreamy cabins really do look like something straight out of a fairy-tale. Heading down the valley I meet a huge owl, the product of a Working with Wood event earlier in the year. Opposite the owl lies the famous Christmas Tree Field – full of fir trees adorned with decorations. The trail continues past more outdoor meeting spaces, over dammed streams and wooden bridges and through dense evergreens. Eventually, the loop brings you back to the entrance where refreshments of tea and cake await at the Hatch at the Barn.
After a period of hibernation over the festive season Wilderness Woods reopens in early February with a packed schedule of events and activities. 2026 brings opportunities to engage in wood craft, woodland meditation, wood printing, Mother’s day celebrations and a busy Easter weekend. They’ll also be hosting monthly Sunday Slice event with pizza and craft activities. Plus, in April they’ll be fundraising to build a sauna in their incredible Bathhouse structure. So much going on! For details on any of the above please visit their website or social channels.
A visit to Wilderness Woods includes an admission charge of £4 per person or £15 per household. Please pay for entry at the Hatch (cash or card). The funds help the community look after these magical woods ensuring that they remain open to the public. For anyone interested in getting more involved please enquire about their membership programme which runs from May to May each year.
