East Court and Ashplats Wood

East Court and Ashplats Wood is an attractive woodland and recreation site to the east of East Grinstead town centre, West Sussex.
It is designated as a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG), providing mitigation to offset the impact of new development on the Ashdown Forest SPA (Special Protection Area); and is managed by a Steering Committee representing Town and District Councils, Conservation Volunteers, and the East Grinstead Memorial Estate Ltd (the freeholders of the site).

Overlooked by the East Court mansion (home to East Grinstead Town Council), the site is a mix of grassland to the south-west and ancient woodland to the north-east. The grassland slopes away from the East Court buildings towards the sports pitches, pavilion and car park, and a yew hedge path leads down to the lake. There is a network of paths in the woodland along with a small meadow, a glade, streams and ponds

The site has a rich biodiversity and a variety of species can be found reflecting the different habitats on the site. The Wood is typical of the High Weald landscape and the woodland ground flora is carpeted with bluebells and wood anemones in the spring. The re-introduction of coppicing and restoration of glades allows light to penetrate into the woodland which benefits the flora, butterflies and insects. The ponds contain aquatic plants and insects, as well as providing a source of water to woodlands birds and animals.

Other facilities on site include winter sports pitches, two children's playgrounds, tennis courts, and ornamental gardens.