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Date updated: 3/02/2025

The River Ching Action Plan

Tackling poor water quality in our local rivers and ponds is something we take very seriously, as our Chairman explains in his latest update:

"We have recently partnered with the Environment Agency, Thames21 and the London Borough of Waltham Forest to launch the ‘Ching Action Plan’. The river is home to a wide range of wildlife and plays an important role in the ecosystem of the Forest. Yet sadly, it is adversely affected by household misconnections, sewage pollution, road run-off, and commercial activities. This project will not only improve the water quality but also help to restore biodiversity, reduce pollution, and combat the effects of climate change across the more urban areas of Epping Forest. There will be plenty of volunteering opportunities, so please send an email if you’d like to sign up."

Reintroduction of bell heather to Epping Forest

Epping Forest staff behind a patch of bell heather

On 1 November Epping Forest was delighted to partner with Essex Wildlife Trust to reintroduce a delicate heathland species, bell heather, to Warren Hill in Loughton.  Bell heather was once present at Long Running heath but disappeared from the Forest over 50 years ago as it has specific habitat needs, making it vulnerable to habitat loss. We are grateful to Botanist Dr Paul Fletcher, and the Essex Wildlife Trust, for their work in propagating eight bell heather plants from the only known location in Essex, at Tiptree Heath nature reserve.  This project represents an exciting partnership opportunity to enhance Epping Forest’s rich and diverse heathland habitats and is an important contribution to Essex’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.  

Habitat Restoration Programme

An area of Leyton Flats which has been restored in early November 2024

Leyton Flats

We will be undertaking conservation work at Leyton Flats from 28 October until early December. This work focuses on a mixture of wood pasture and acid grass heath habitats in order to:  

Restore the ancient acid grassland. This habitat has declined across the UK leaving less than 30,000ha. Removing holly and trees that have encroached will help key grassland plant species and the wildlife they support. 

Regenerate the area east of Cow Pond by opening-up historic glades and creating corridors to enhance habitat connectivity for insects, bats, and birds. These connections between habitats will support wildlife movement and population spread.

Reveal the veteran oak trees between Hollow Pond and Eagle Pond by thinning the trees, holly and scrub understory. The increased light levels will help them live longer while encouraging forest floor plants to re-establish.  

How you can help

Be aware that this work will necessitate the presence of vehicles and machinery. Please follow all posted signs and instructions during the work period to keep everyone safe. 

Be prepared that this important habitat restoration work may initially look severe and be reassured that it will deliver long-term benefits. 

Be gentle afterwards, avoid disturbing the bare ground to allow forest floor and grassland plants to regrow.

Thank you for your support in helping Epping Forest flourish.

If you would like to volunteer with our ongoing conservation work, you can find more information on our Volunteer at Epping Forest webpage.

Follow our progress on the interactive map

Things affecting your visit

Maintenance

  • Rural wood chip collection – Bury Road chip site
  • Tree safety works - Forest-wide
  • Tree surgery - Bury Wood
  • Groundworks - Great Gregories
  • Various grass cutting - Forest-wide
  • Annual tree survey - north of the Forest
  • Lower branch removal - Wanstead Park Chestnut Avenue

NB: Contract work is dependent on weather and ground conditions.

General notices

  • Closed riding in Epping Forest as from 00:01 on Monday 9 December 2024
  • Railway Field closed to public access
  • Powell's Forest: the track is closed on weekdays until the end of January
  • Please be aware that new sculptures have been installed on the track leading from the Visitors' Centre at Chingford leading toward Connaught Water
  • The lift in the Visitors' Centre at Chingford is undergoing maintenance until 10 February

Volunteer Tasks

Highams Park Snedders

No tasks

Epping Forest Heritage Trust

Green Team
Thursday 6 Feb - Hawk Wood Brook

Green Team 2
Friday 7 Feb - Barn Hoppitt

Happy Loppers
Friday 7 Feb - Epping Thicks

Epping Forest Conservation Volunteers

No tasks

Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee

Latest Updates

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