Epping Forest Verderer, Paul Morris, was awarded the Freedom of the City of London today, in recognition of his long and distinguished service as a volunteer.
Verderers are forestry officials in England who deal with common land in certain former royal hunting areas which were the property of the Crown. The office of Verderer was developed in the Middle Ages to administer forest law on behalf of the King. Verderers investigated and recorded minor offences such as the taking of timber, venison, and dealt with the day-to-day forest administration of issues such as encroachment. They were responsible for recording offences which in the past held severe penalties. Thankfully, today, the Verderers serve to protect Forestry practices, and conserve the traditional landscape and wildlife.
Verderers in the former Royal Forest of Epping have been appointed since the early 13th century. The office was preserved by the Epping Forest Act 1878. They are now locally elected at septennial elections among the registered ‘commoners’ or landowners; two for the northern parishes, two for the south.
The verderers act as representatives of the users of the Forest, meet the Superintendent and other officials regularly, and are full voting members of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee of the City of London Corporation.
Paul Morris was first elected in 2020 and will serve until 2027. Prior to his election, Verderer Morris led a number of high-profile campaigns to change the policies set out by the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, most notable was the proposed closure of the Biker’s Tea Hut in High Beach and the reversal of a decision to contract for sport the shooting of deer in Epping Forest.
Paul and his wife Debbie also run the Epping Forest Forum – an online community which shares useful information with visitors and local stakeholders and he has previously served as a Theydon Bois Parish Councillor.
Since 2023, Verderer Morris has Chaired the Epping Forest Consultative Group and been an active member of the Deer Management Oversight Group. Paul also sits as an ex officio member of the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment Board.
Following the ceremony, which took place in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall in London, Verderer Paul Morris explained:
“Since taking my first steps around Baldwins Hill Pond, the forest has been at the centre of my life in one way, shape or form. To me, growing up as a child, Epping Forest was a wonderful extension of our garden! It is a special place, not just for me, but for millions of people and I am proud to have been elected as a Verderer and had a chance to make a positive impact.”
The City of London Corporation’s Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, Ben Murphy said:
“Paul Morris is undoubtedly one of the greatest assets we have in Epping Forest. It would be impossible to try and measure the value of his volunteering activities, because I’m not sure it ever ends! He is a straight-talking, no-nonsense sort of man, and has acted as an important bridge between complexity at the City Corporation and local stakeholders, to keep them informed and engaged in the work our charity does. I have no doubt that a great many people will wish to congratulate Paul on the occasion of becoming a Freeman of the City of London”.
