Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the Epping Forest Forest Focus Newsletter.
As autumn gives way to winter, this edition of Forest Focus encourages you to discover the exciting activities on offer in Epping Forest on the run up to Christmas. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the solitude of nature, find somewhere for the kids to run off their energy or get some early Christmas shopping done, we offer you some inspiration. While you shop in the tranquil surroundings of Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, be sure to pop upstairs to marvel, for free, at the first-class art exhibition held by Mumtaz Begum.
Talking of festive cheer, be sure to book your place on our wreath making workshop and while away a few hours creating your very own seasonal creation. See below for further details.
Epping Forest is a great place to explore the natural world and the wildlife that calls it home for further information, please visit: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/how-we-manage-epping-forest
Bell heather is back!
It’s been over 50 years since bell heather (erica cinerea) last brightened the Forest heathland. Thanks to a joint effort by the City of London Corporation and Essex Wildlife Trust, this rare plant is finally making a comeback.
Bell heather, with its vibrant purple flowers, thrives in dry, sandy soils that are scarce in Essex and London. Tiptree Heath, a small nature reserve, is the only place in Essex where all three species of heather survived. Now, seven carefully nurtured plants have been reintroduced to Epping Forest. If successful they may take root allowing other heathland habitats in the Forest to once more benefit from their early flowering.
Why reintroduce bell heather?
This reintroduction isn’t just about restoring a rare species—it’s about adding to the delicate balance of Epping Forest’s ecosystem. Bell heather helps build resilient heathland habitats, supporting pollinators and other wildlife. Restoring it can boost the Forest’s biodiversity and help strengthen the landscape for the future.
Epping Forest’s 6,000 acres are more than just beautiful; they’re an interconnected habitat of wood-pasture, grasslands, and heathlands. Together, these diverse spaces support a range of important species and represent one of Europe’s most wildlife rich terrestrial landscapes. Bringing bell heather back is one more step in preserving that status.
A conservation partnership
This project is also a fantastic example of conservation in action. Paul Fletcher, a passionate botanist, experimented to find the best way to propagate bell heather. After extensive trials, root cuttings proved most successful, and now these healthy plants are ready for their new home.
Looking ahead
Epping Forest’s heathlands are rare and incredibly important, both locally and internationally. Across the UK, heath and acid grasslands are in decline, making efforts to restore these habitats more vital than ever. This year, the Habitat Restoration Programme will focus on key sites, including Woodbury Hollow and Leyton Flats, to boost habitat quality and resilience.
So, next time you’re walking in the Forest, keep an eye out and tread carefully—you might just spot bell heather reestablishing itself. With some luck and continued care, we hope this once lost plant will once again become part of Epping’s diverse landscape.
Epping Forest visitor centres: Winter opening
Please find below, the winter opening times of our Epping Forest Visitor Centres:
Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford:
10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day).
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:
11am – 1pm and 2pm – 3.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays (except Christmas Day)
The Temple, Wanstead Park:
Sunday 15 December 2024 11am – 4pm
Sunday 12 January 2025 11am – 4pm
Sunday 9 February 2025 11am – 4pm
Sunday 9 March 2025 11am – 4pm
Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach:
10am – 3pm, Friday to Sunday and bank holidays (except Christmas Day).
Epping Forest festive bauble
Treat yourself to one of our unique Epping Forest, priced at £4.95 and available from Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford. All proceeds will go to our Epping Forest charity which funds maintenance in the Forest.
The front of this delightful wooden decoration has a beautiful illustration of Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and the reverse is plain for you to write your own message or keep plain. These baubles could be used as tree decorations, name tags for presents or place settings at that all important festive meal.
Need a little help getting in the festive spirit?
Ever noticed how people seem friendlier after a walk in Epping Forest? Research shows that time spent in natural environments promotes generosity and cooperation. These benefits arise from nature’s ability to reduce stress and evoke positive emotions, creating a sense of connection and well-being.
This study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, found that simply spending time in green spaces makes people more likely to show kindness and community-mindedness. With its ancient trees and serene landscapes, Epping Forest provides the perfect backdrop for this psychological boost.
As the season of good cheer approaches, why not let the Forest help you embrace the festive spirit? From scenic winter walks to special seasonal events, there’s something to lift everyone’s mood. Check out our festive activities and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
‘Festive Forest’ events
For further information and to book onto one or more of our fantastic seasonal events, please visit Eventbrite: Epping Forest Events – 5 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Festive Forest: Wreath making workshop
Thursday 28 November
To book, please visit: Festive Forest: Wreath making workshop Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Festive Forest: Tudor story time at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge
Saturday 7 December
To book, please visit: Festive Forest: Tudor story time at the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge. Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Festive Forest: Santa hat youth litter pick
Thursday 12 December
To book, please visit: Festive Forest: Santa Hat Youth Litter Pick Tickets, Thu, Dec 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Habitat restoration update
The final stage of this year’s Habitat Restoration Programme is progressing well at Leyton Flats. Key aims include restoring the ancient acid grass-heath, regenerating the wood pasture, and revealing shaded veteran pollards to help them thrive longer. For more detailed information on the conservation work taking place at Leyton Flats, please see our interactive map.
To facilitate this work, a large clean-up effort has been underway to tackle accumulated detritus. This big job has involved the help of dedicated litter pickers and the Epping Forest Keeper Team, even the on-site contractors have joined in the effort! The result has been the removal of scores of black bags filled with rubbish, clearing the way for this vital restoration work to take place. Our grateful thanks go to all those who have been involved in these collective efforts. The work is not complete yet – if you’re available on Wednesday 27 November 11 – 1pm, why not join us for the volunteer litter pick event at Leyton Flats. For more information and to register, please visit Eventbrite. Equipment will be provided.
Volunteer litter pick at Leyton Flats
Join us for a volunteer litter pick at Leyton Flats
Wednesday 27 November 11am-1pm
To book, please visit: Volunteer Litter pick at Leyton Flats Tickets, Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite
Grazing is amazing
If you have ever wondered how the cows that graze Epping Forest are helping the Forest’s ecosystem, this handy little pictograms offers a quick overview.
Should you require further information, please visit: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/how-we-manage-epping-forest/grazing-in-epping-forest
Epping Forest calendar 2025
This super calendar is now available to purchase from the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, priced at £10 for A4 and £12 for A3. The proceeds from each sale, benefit a number of charities across Epping Forest
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