Environment
The following designations apply to the landscape of Wealden:
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
About 60% of Wealden is designated as AONB in recognition of it's National Landscape importance.
The High Weald covers the middle and northern parts of the District and is approximately 45,000 hectares including Ashdown Forest. The Council supports the work of the High Weald AONB unit who are responsible for production of a Management Plan for the AONB. The Joint Advisory Committee consists of Members from each of the local authorities covered by the designation together with representatives from a number of environmental organisations.
Sussex Downs AONB covers the southern parts of the District and is approximately 6,000 hectares and includes the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. It has now been announced that this area is to be designated as within the South Downs National Park. The South Downs Joint Committee consists of representatives from each of the local authorities affected and is responsible for the production of a Management Plan for the South Downs.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's)
These are designated by Natural England for their National significance for Nature Conservation
There are 29 such sites within Wealden, including:
Pevensey Levels - 3,500 hectares which is also a National Nature Reserve and Ramsar Site (recognition as a wetland of international importance)
Ashdown Forest - 3,100 hectares, the largest area of land in the South East that has never been ploughed, also a Special Protection Area (European Habitats Directive) and a Special Area of Conservation.
Certain species of plants and animals are strictly protected by law. Further information is available from Natural England. Advice on regulation and licensing (link to pdf) for developers is also available from Natural England.
Environmentally Sensitive Area
Covers part of the South Downs, where traditional agricultural methods are encouraged and Landowners enter into agreements with DEFRA to farm their land in an environmentally friendly way.
Ancient Woodlands
Approx 10,000 hectares is designated as 'ancient woodland' whilst 15-20% of Wealden overall is woodland. A full report for Wealden's Inventory of Ancient Woodland is available (5mb pdf doc).
Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
These sites are designated by English Heritage of which there are 18 within Wealden District which include:
Bayham Abbey, Frant (II)
Buckhurst Park, Withyham (II)
Buxted Park, Buxted (II)
Charleston Manor, Westdean (II)
Eridge Park, Frant (II*)
Groombridge Place, Groombridge (II*)
Hammerwood Park, Forest Row (II)
Heathfield Park, Heathfield (II)
Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux (II*)
The Hoo, Willingdon (II*)
Horsted Place, Little Horsted (II)
Kidbrooke Park, Forest Row (II)
Penns in the Rocks, Withyham (II*)
Rotherfield Hall, Rotherfield (II*)
Sheffield Park, Fletching (I)
Wadhurst Castle, Wadhurst (II)
Wootton Manor (II)
Wych Cross Place, Maresfield (II)
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
These monuments are designated by English Heritage of which there are 102 within Wealden District. Further information on their level of protection from development can be found within National Planning Policy Guidance Notes PPG15 and PPG16.
Sites of Archaeological Importance
These sites are designated by English Heritage of which there are 301 sites within Wealden. Further information on their level of protection from development can be found within National Planning Policy Guidance Notes PPG15 and PPG16. Additional information is available from the County Archaeologist at East Sussex County Council.
Wealden Design Guide
If you are considering submitting an application which will affect the surrounding landscape, flora and/or fauna, you are advised to look at Chapter 3 of the Wealden Design Guide, a Supplementary Planning Document, the purpose of which is to encourage a higher standard of design for development within the District.
This chapter provides specific information and advice to help you take proper account of biodiversity and wildlife matters when considering proposals for development. Further information is also given on matters covering ecological surveys, tree surveys and protected specifies.