A FOREST which inspired the stories of Winnie the Pooh could be at risk of severe wildfire following this week’s heatwave.

Fire crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue said they are working with rangers at Ashdown Forest to protect the area during the continuing hot weather.

A spokeswoman for the fire service said that the forest is “tinder dry, raising the risk of wildfires to severe”.

With visitor numbers expected to rise as schools break up for the summer, firefighters aim to help people enjoy the area safely, considerately and following local bye-laws.

A range of activities are prohibited to protect the forest; including off-road cycling, camping and overnight stays in car parks, barbecues and campfires, and the use of metal detectors.

​​“Other parts of the UK have seen devastating fires and the service is urging the public to do all they can to prevent it happening here,” the spokeswoman said.

Those who are heading to the countryside are urged to have a picnic instead of a barbecue, not to throw cigarette ends out of car windows, and obey safety signs.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue said that anyone who spots a fire in the countryside to dial 999 immediately, estimate the size of the fire if possible, give a map reference, landmark or a What3Word address combination to tell emergency services where the fire is, and await the arrival of fire news.

People should move away from the fire and smoke quickly and safely and not attempt to tackle fires themselves.

Two wildfires broke out at the forest in 2019, affecting around 35 hectares of land.