A forest has ranked as one of the best in England.

According to Pebble Magazine, Ashdown Forest, in Forest Row, near East Grinstead, is the seventh best forest in the UK.

It is believed the area attracts 1.5 million visitors every year.

As well as being a great place for hikers, Pebble Magazine said visitors like to see the forest as a result of its links with the children's character Winnie-The-Pooh.

The forest is believed to be the inspiration behind the Hundred Acre Wood from the children's stories.

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The area also has a history dating back more than 50,000 years, with a Roman road that stretches across the area.

BBC radio host Zoe Ball reportedly lives in a property on the outskirts of the popular forest.

According to Pebble Magazine, Ashdown Forest forms part of an estimated 3.25 million hectares of woodlands in the UK.

These forests are considered to be not just a tourism asset but also "critical habitats" for wildlife.

The magazine said: "Ashdown Forest has conservation initiatives to help preserve biodiversity and protect ecosystems from climate change.

"Some of the wildlife includes the incredible Nightjar that comes from Africa to breed, ancient breeds of sheep, cattle and ponies, and rare insects and spiders."

Forests were also reported to help improve both mental and physical well-being.

Other forests that have been named by the magazine as the best in England are Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent, and the New Forest National Park in Hampshire.