Vandals are continuing to target car park signs at the forest which inspired the One Hundred Acre Wood in Winnie The Pooh.

The picturesque Ashdown Forest, near Forest Row, introduced parking charges last November after “lengthy public consultation”.

Since the charges were introduced, many signs have been defaced and removed.

In recent weeks these incidents have increased in number and severity with signs removed from 18 car parks.

Vandalised signs have to be replaced which diminishes the revenue from parking, which has been used to improve paths and tracks, maintain or replace gates and bridges, fix potholes in car parks and restore eroded entrances and exits. 

The Argus: 18 signs have been vandalised in recent weeks18 signs have been vandalised in recent weeks

Ash Walmsley, Ashdown Forest countryside manager said: “It is a shame that a few people, perhaps just one, seem intent on disrupting the scheme, but the police are aware and together with Horizon we are working on ways to maintain and protect the parking scheme and continue to improve visitor infrastructure across the forest.

“Despite these attacks we remain committed to improving the forest for the benefit of everyone.”

The vast majority of visitors have paid to park over the year, with just 93 parking charge notices issued since the fees were introduced.

Ashdown Forest’s team said it listened to ideas and concerns from local people and visitors when the charges were proposed and introduced concessions to help ensure low-income families could continue to visit the forest.

Ms Walmsley added: “We would like to thank everyone who has visited the forest and contributed by paying to park. We receive more than 1.4 million visits a year which all create some impact on the forest. 

“We believe our visitors understand that their contribution from parking payments in the forest car parks contribute towards the protection and maintenance of this rare and beautiful landscape and keeps the forest accessible and safe for all our visitors.”

The parking at Ashdown Forest is managed by national provider Horizon Parking Ltd. Its parking attendants visit the 45 car parks across the forest to maintain signage and the parking machines.

Parking prices are £2 for one hour, £2.50 for up to two hours, £4 for up to four hours and £5 all day.