One of Britain’s most arcane elections in approaching, and although you probably will not be able to vote, you will be able to stand.

The elections, which are held every seven years, will see four verderers elected to serve on the City’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee.

A verderer’s role is to protect what is known as the ‘vert’ and the venison, meaning the forest vegetation and all of the hunted animals within the forest boundary.

Standing for election for the third time is Richard Morris, who says that being a guardian of the forest, is no easy task.

He said: “Being a verderer takes on average one or two full days per week.

“I get telephone calls and emails, people asking questions or expressing concerns about the forest.

“We are like the council, but we do not get anything for it. No pay or expenses whatsoever.” Four verderers will be voted in at the coming elections, two representing the southern, and two representing the northern forest parishes.

To be eligible to vote, you must own or occupy half an acre of land, which has not been built upon, you must live within the ancient boundary of Epping Forest and you must be aged over 18.

In order to be able to stand for election you must be resident in one of the ancient Forest parishes and not be a Member of the City of London’s Court of Common Council but the land-owning qualification does not apply.

On February 25, anybody who wishes to stand as a candidate must attend one of two meetings being backed by one commoner, someone who has the right to vote, and seconded by another.

Should more than two people come forward for each area, then polls will be opened in the ensuing days.

Although, the complex process which sees many forest lovers outcast from the voting, could be set to change, after nearly one thousand years, says Richard Morris.

He said: “The time has come for us to review the commoner eligibility criteria.

“After this election I think we will see what we can find an alternative way in which we can involve more people.”

For more information on the role and responsibility of a verderer, or to find out if you are eligible to put yourself forward, visit http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/about-the-city/how-we-work/elections-and-wards/Pages/election-of-verderers.aspx.