Primary - Improved biodiversity: 2003 Epping Forest

London’s largest public open space is a highly diverse environment. It comprises scenic open spaces, grazing land, ancient woodlands, plus a variety of wildlife habitats as well as conservation areas. Epping Forest is rightfully regarded as a highly variable and thus valuable heritage resource.Through the use of the Epping Forest Forum, which represents over 50 different user groups, local communities and visitors are being engaged by the Corporation of London as it seeks to ensure Epping Forest remains a unique and diverse landscape of benefit to all into the future.

Fact File
Founded: Although it had been in existence since ancient times, Epping Forest was threatened with enclosure towards the end of the nineteenth century. The Corporation of London intervened on behalf of the local commoners and, as a result, it was appointed the Conservator of Epping Forest in 1878.

Area: 76 sq. kms. Of which some 50 sq. kms is wooded
Location: Stretching 12 miles from E. London to SW Essex
Visitors: Millions every year

Features:

Both man-made and natural:
Iron age earthworks
Eighteenth century parkland
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and Temple (a unique ‘great standynge’ built for her father Henry VIII)
Sites of Ancient and Semi-natural Woodlands
Plus sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special areas of Conservation scattered throughout the Forest

Facilities:
Recreation:
An extensive selection of walking paths, with easy-access paths at High Beech, Connaught Water, Jubilee Pond and Knighton Wood
Many kilometres of cycle track
50 kms of surfaced and un-surfaced rides for horses
Numerous ponds and lakes for anglers
18 hole golf course at Chingford
60 football pitches at Wanstead Flats
Refreshments – a wide range of facilities, both public and private throughout the Forest
Visitor centres at…

Education: Numerous activities for schools are arranged by the Heritage Education Officer

Events: An annual Forest Festival and many special events throughout the year, including the Tudor Christmas at the Hunting Lodge and Ambrebury Antics, plus guided walks and workshops.

Partners: The Corporation of London, the Forestry Commission

Contact:
Web site –
www.eppingforest.co.uk