Often the elderly, people with disabilities and families with
young children may feel that Epping Forest is inaccessible to them,
but there are several sites which are attractive and accessible to
those with limited mobility and include three purpose-built
paths:
High Beach
High Beach has been a centre for public recreation for over 150
years and is still popular today. There are excellent views from
some of the car parks and the easy-access path starts near the
Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Nursery Road, High Beach. This
path is firm-surfaced and winds for half a mile through the trees,
providing a splendid opportunity to view the woodland here. It has
frequently placed seats. A descriptive leaflet gives features of
interest to be seen from the path. There is level ground suitable
for picnicking nearby, and there are refreshments and toilet
facilities (including a disabled toilet) in the area.
Connaught Water and the Red
Path
Connaught Water is a large lake designed by the Conservators of
Epping Forest as an amenity in the late 19th century and
enlarged 12 years later because of its popularity. Large numbers of
duck and geese winter here. Swans, Geese, Great Crested Grebes and
Ducks all breed on this lake. Summer migrants, including the
Nightingale, may be heard in this area in May and June. The lake is
most easily accessed from a car park off of Rangers Road. In dry
weather it is possible to walk easily all around the Water, and
fishing can be carried out from a wheelchair. A good level
all-weather path called ‘The Red Path’ (named due to the colour of
the surface!) has been constructed running from the car park
towards Fairmead. This path can also be reached by car from the far
end of Fairmead Road. There is an area of grass near the car park,
and wild flowers growing beside the path include Wild Violets in
early spring and Red Campion.
Knighton Wood
This area was once part of the Buxton Estate and it is very
apparent from the ornamental water areas, the variety of trees and
a magnificent display of Rhododendrons and spring bulbs, that it
was once a formal garden. In 1996 an easy-access path was
constructed which winds around the lake and between the plants and
specimen trees. There are seats at intervals and, although the
total path takes in some inclines, shorter circuits on the flatter
area can be chosen. Wildfowl are increasingly making their homes on
the waters, following clearance work. The path can be most easily
accessed from the car park on Knighton Lane.
Jubilee Pond
Wanstead Flats have been almost treeless since the 12th Century
when the Abbots of Stratford grazed large flocks of sheep there. At
the end of the 19th century groups of trees were planted to provide
features and some shelter. At the beginning of the 20th century,
the Forest authorities took on unemployed local men to carry out
the laborious task of landscaping these ponds. One such pond was
lined with concrete and became known as the Model Yacht Pond.
However, by the late 1980s interest in model boats had declined and
a crack in the concrete liner led to falling water levels and the
pond frequently dried up in the summer months. In 1997 plans were
drawn up to improve the pond and the surrounding area. At a public
consultation exercise the majority of local residents indicated
that they would prefer the pond to become a haven for wildlife.
Work began in the summer of 2002 and it was renamed the Jubilee
Pond to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. An easy
access path circles the pond where various aquatic plants and
wildfowl such as Coot, Mallard and Moorhen combine to make this an
attractive feature in this part of Epping Forest.
In addition to the above purpose built easy access paths, some
paths in the following areas could be used by wheelchair-users and
pram-pushers except after heavy rain, when the going becomes rather
difficult. However, they are not purpose built routes and one is
advised to use one’s discretion as to individual suitability. There
are parking facilities nearby each site.
Chingford Plain
An open grassy area with a surfaced horse-riding track running
along the far side which provides access to short grassland spots
suitable for picnicking.
The Stubbles
A relic of Victorian times when this area was enclosed and
cleared for arable farming, the open glade which remains today is
ideal for family outings. A firm-surfaced horse-ride leads across
towards Epping New Road, on which walks can be taken through the
woodland to the west of the field. A small car park is provided off
of Nursery Road, Loughton.
Fairmead
Another area of open grassland recommended for family outings.
The longer grass on the east side of the road makes it less
suitable for wheelchairs and prams, however more flowers and
butterflies are to be found there.
Honey Lane Plain
ocated towards Upshire, this area provides an interesting picnic
site on the north-west side of the Forest. It is accessible by car
from the Waltham Abbey Road or Claypit Hill Road.
Theydon Bois Green
a true village green complete with pond. There are benches upon
which to rest. Crossing the green is an avenue of oak trees, the
older of which were planted around the time of Queen Victoria’s
accession to the throne. Theydon Bois (Central Line) underground
station is nearby.
Wanstead Park
This Grade II* former estate was landscaped more than 200 years
ago as the parkland attached to Wanstead House, the home of the
Tylney family. A system of lakes was constructed around the house
and extensive tree planting was carried out. The Grotto, now in
ruins, was originally built as a boathouse in fantastic style,
decorated with mirrors and shells.
The Temple, a garden building built
in the late 18th century still exists and is open one weekend
per month in the Summer (contact the
Epping Forest Visitor Centre on 020 8508 0028 for details of
opening times). The house itself was completed in 1720 as a truly
magnificent mansion, said to rival Hampton Court. It was demolished
in 1824 after the family became bankrupt and the site is now
covered by Wanstead Golf Course. In 1881 the City of London
purchased part of the lands of Wanstead Park, and opened them to
the public in 1882. Today the Park is still maintained in a more
formal style than the rest of Epping Forest. From the parking area
in Warren Road, a wide grassy track slopes to the central open
area, from which a number of paths can be taken through the trees.
Alternatively on your left there is a wide, grassy glade with
Rhododendrons on both sides leading down to the Ornamental Water
where Herons can often be seen, a remnant of the famous heronry
here at the turn of the century. This is a delightful area in the
spring when Bluebells are in flower and many of the migrant birds
can be heard. In summer, the Speckled Wood Butterfly is one of the
species which add to the attraction of Wanstead Park. Fishing can
be carried out from a wheelchair at some points in the Park.
If you have a severe disability it is possible to obtain a
special permit from The Warren to take a vehicle into the Park. Tel
020 8532 1010 or
email.
Other places to visit
Epping Forest Field Studies Centre – From 1928
until the early 1950s this area was the site of a speedway racing
track. In 1970, the City of London established a Field Centre (now
the Field Studies Centre) at High Beach which runs a number of
weekend and day courses covering a wide range of natural history
subjects, a number of the courses are suitable for wheelchair
users. Please contact the
Field Studies Council directly to obtain the
programme and discuss accessibility of the individual
courses.
Epping Forest Visitor Centre – opened in 1993,
this single storey building was designed for ease of access. The
Centre houses displays relating to the Forest’s history and natural
history and provides information on Epping Forest. A wheelchair is
available to hire from the Visitor Centre, upon receipt of a
deposit. There is car parking adjacent to the building and disabled
toilet facilities are provided. All Epping Forest leaflets are
available in large format print.
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge – This fine
Tudor hunt standing was commissioned by Henry VIII and completed in
1543. Originally it stood within the enclosed Fairmead Deer Park,
and organised hunts were viewed from its upper floors. Today this
unique building is open to visitors who may examine the
craftsmanship of the Tudor carpenters and see displays relating to
its history and former use. Toilets, including disabled access and
baby changing facilities, are available. Quiz sheets and large
format information guides are available. Disabled car parking is
adjacent and the building is surrounded by level grass with seats
for those wishing to rest and view the external beauty of the
building. There are refreshments nearby.
Leaflets - Epping Forest leaflets are in large
print format on request and can also be provided as an audio tape,
please contact the Visitor Centre on 020 8508 0028, or
email.