Updates from the Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee
Ben Murphy, Chairman of City of London Corporation's Epping Forest and Commons Committee, works tirelessly to ensure that London's ancient forest is properly managed for the benefit of all. Read his monthly updates below.
Working closely with its local communities, the Epping Forest and Commons Committee sets policy for City Corporation-conserved open spaces in Essex, Buckinghamshire, London, and Surrey.
Jacqueline Eggleston, Superintendent of Epping Forest, provides this month's update
It’s been a busy month here in Epping Forest – and while the City of London elections get underway, I am pleased to provide you with a short update on what’s been happening these past few weeks.
We recently welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, as he celebrated his Golden Jubilee as Ranger of Epping Forest.
The Duke met some of our volunteers who had completed a volunteering challenge and presented them with their certificates. Over 3,100 hours were volunteered as part of the campaign which has helped drive up our overall annual increase by 20%. If you are interested in volunteering, please email us or visit our volunteering page.
During the visit, The Duke viewed our new mice wood sculptures from the Brambly Hedge books. The setting for the books were the trees and hedgerows of Epping Forest. The first five of these sculptures have been installed close to the Chingford Visitor Centre, so do keep your eyes peeled. You can find out more about the new sculpture trail, which will be officially launched in September, by visiting the what's new in Epping Forest page.
Many readers will be pleased to hear that The Duke also ‘broke ground’ on Gloucester Ride, a new path which will lead from the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge to Connaught Water. This often-muddy path is one of the most frequently used in the Forest and is in desperate need of surfacing to help our visitors navigate the site without causing damage. I am pleased to report that the path is due to be completed this summer.
At Lopping Hall in Loughton, The Duke heard presentations from young people exploring the theme ‘The Future of Epping Forest’. In a room full of local MPs and Councillors, students spoke passionately about what the Forest means to them and asked politicians to redouble their efforts to defend the Forest in an era of growing planning pressures.
One student summed up the session brilliantly by saying, “Epping Forest is not just a green space; it is our legacy. It holds the stories of the past and the hopes of the future. It is the reason our homes don’t flood; the reason we breathe clean air and the reason we remain physically and mentally healthy. We must all play our part in safeguarding it.”
As part of our ongoing celebrations, the Golden Jubilee Exhibition is available to view for free in the Lower Gallery at the Visitor Centre at Chingford (open 10am- 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday).
This month we have also been working with Essex Police and Epping Forest District Council to tackle fly-tipping. This has included carrying out spot checks on vehicles to check waste carrier licences. We have also installed CCTV and automatic number place recognition cameras for the first time. Together we are determined to fight fly-tipping and stop the few selfish individuals who waste so much of our charity’s resource. You can also help us - if you see fly-tipping, please report it to the Police on 999. Please also report it to us on 020 8532 1010 (phone line staffed 24/7).
Finally, our conservation volunteers will shortly be reintroducing the skylark protection area on Wanstead Flats. This roped off area will help protect this incredible songbird during their nesting season.
Firstly, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope you all managed to find time to get out and enjoy the Forest over the festive season.
We recently spent some time reflecting on our achievements in 2024 and were delighted to present ‘A Year in Review’.
At the outset of each new year, many turn their attentions to health and fitness to aid recovery from post-Christmas indulgences! The Forest offers a range of opportunities for recreation. From walking, running, golf and football, to cycling and horse riding – Epping Forest can help you to get active and keep those New Year’s resolutions a reality!
As 2024 draws to a close, the Epping Forest team have been reflecting on the achievements for what has been an exhausting, but transformative year. And I am proud to present ‘Epping Forest: a Year in Review’ which you can read on our website.
It isn’t often I get the opportunity to thank our staff, committee members and volunteers for their hard work, but as we pause and reflect, I think we can all be proud of what we have achieved together this year. Of course, there’s a lot of work still to do!
The UK Government’s People and Nature Survey, published at the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, stated that 83% of children believe nature makes them happy, and that natural spaces are critical for children to make social connections.
We also know that many children living in poverty, children with special educational needs and disabilities, young carers, and young refugees often cannot access nature easily. And we recognise that the attainment gap between disadvantaged school students and their peers is increasing.
This month, as the nights begin to draw in, we’re celebrating one of the nocturnal creatures that reside in Epping Forest - the bats! Did you know that there are 18 species of bats in the UK, 10 of which have been recorded within Epping Forest? Scarce species such as Leisler’s, serotine and barbastelle (one of the UK’s rarest woodland species) can be found foraging and roosting here. Our unique wood pasture habitats provide the perfect environment for bats to thrive. Please visit our website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest for information about events we have planned, from specialist adult walks and talks, to fun bat-related events taking place during half term.
I hope you have managed to recharge your batteries and connect with family and friends this summer.
Many of you, I know, have taken the opportunity to visit ‘the Green Lungs of London’ . I have seen families flying kites and model aeroplanes, playing football and golf, cycling, exploring the Forest on horseback and walking dogs. It is a stark reminder of just how important Epping Forest is to millions of people.
Parents, teachers and students across the country are breathing a sigh of relief that the summer holidays are finally upon us!
For the staff and volunteers at Epping Forest, August is our busiest month as we help to support millions of people who visit Epping Forest as a place to escape and explore for free.
This year we have some exciting community events lined-up including youth volunteering activities, art exhibitions and an Epping Forest photography session for children. Our Open Air Theatre offer in Wanstead Park has also returned.
We find ourselves at the start of a new civic year, with lots of new Councillors recently elected to serve their local communities.
I was delighted to host representatives from the London Boroughs of Newham, Waltham Forest and Redbridge, as well as Essex County Councillors, Epping Forest District Councillors, and Town and Parish Councillors this week to our Local Authorities Liaison Group.
Improving collaboration across all these organisations will help achieve a better outcome for so many things, like public transport strategies, local development plans, and health and recreation strategies to name just a few!
On Thursday 2 May, you will be asked to cast your votes for the Mayor of London and GLA Assembly Members, for the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner and for Essex County and Epping Forest District Councillors.
Epping Forest is conserved by the City of London Corporation as a registered charity and is the largest free open space in both London and Essex. How it is policed, how planning policy impacts visitor pressure, how air and water quality impact the health and wellbeing of local biodiversity, how public transport supports accessibility are all important matters, decided by those you are being asked to vote for.
My request to you all is to ask your candidates what they have done, (and are doing) to support Epping Forest. Tell them how important protecting this green space is to you and your family. Showing your support for the protection of the ‘Green Lungs of London’ matters, and it matters most at the ballot box. Now is the time to speak up!
This time last year, we were reflecting on how little rainfall Epping Forest had experienced during the winter months. This year, we may have experienced the wettest winter for 130 years and as a result, the Forest is very muddy at the moment.
We have budgeted £250,000 for path repairs; however, this only allows us to cover a small proportion of the total path network. Eagle-eyed visitors in Chingford may have noticed that we are trialling three new path surfaces to see which is the most durable under the ever-increasing strain of feet, tyres and hooves! More on that in the months ahead.