Emerson College is set in the heart of the Sussex Countryside, in an ‘Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.
Francis Edmunds originally started Emerson with eleven students in Clent, near Birmingham, but moved the burgeoning college to the grounds of Michael Hall Rudolf Steiner School in Forest Row in 1964 and then to its permanent home on Pixton Hill in 1967.
Since then Emerson College has been inspired by and contributed greatly to the fabric of local life.
Over the years many of our students have enjoyed exploring the Sussex Countryside, particularly the Ashdown Forest, which is a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk away.
Ashdown Forest is 6500 acres of ancient heath and woodland. It provides a wealth of beautiful walks and stunning views and has national and international protection because of its rare heathland and plentiful wildlife. It is protected and managed by the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest.
You can find out more about forest walks, wildlife and conservation by visiting the website.
Our local village, Forest Row, is just 10 minutes walk from the College. Forest Row is a vibrant community, with many specialist independent shops and ethically focused businesses.
You will find some great places to eat including coffee shops offering delicious home-made cake, a variety of restaurants and live music venues.
You walk from Emerson College to the heart of the village through Tablehurst Farm or along the Forest Way cycle track.
We hugely value being part of such a thriving local community. There are many wonderful producers using environmentally conscious, sustainable biodynamic practices. In addition to produce from our own kitchen garden we also buy food from local suppliers:
Sussex is home to many other anthroposophically inspired organisations. Many of our teachers, staff and volunteers also work with and are connected to these organisations.
