A FORMER royal hunting forest will take a place in a chain of more than 1,500 beacons across the UK to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Ashdown Forest will light a beacon to celebrate the occasion on June 2, joining beacons from all corners of the country, along with the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and the capital cities of Commonwealth nations.
Visitors to the park for the ceremony may share the tribute to the Queen with the forest’s wild onlookers and nocturnal creatures.
The forest’s chief executive James Adler said: “We are delighted to be part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“The forest was originally a royal hunting ground dating from soon after the Norman Conquest. The landscape has welcomed many past Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII.
“Ashdown Forest is proud to be part of this historic occasion We send our heartfelt congratulations to Her Majesty and look forward to making memories with everyone who comes to celebrate with us.”
The beacon will be lit by Pat Arnold, the longstanding chair of the Friends of Ashdown Forest, who has been involved with the protection of the forest for many years.
Visitors are advised to bring a torch to the event and to listen out for the sounds of the forest at night.
Views of other beacons in the chain will also be visible from an exceptional vantage point.
The beacon lighting will take place at 9.45pm in Four Counties car park, with parking available at Gills Lap and Shadows car park.
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