A RARE opportunity has arisen to take up one of the most respected and ancient positions in Epping Forest.

The verderers of Epping Forest have represented the views of everyday people for over 800 years acting as a key go-between with the City of London.

Now a vacancy has emerged among their ranks following the retirement of long-term member Michael Davies who has stepped down after nearly 25 years in the position.

Mr Davies, 81, who lives at the heart of the forest in Avey Lane Farm, High Beach, took on the role after a personal recommendation by the esteemed local author and outgoing verderer Sir William Addison.

He said: “Sir William Addison had been a verderer for many years and he phoned me up, because I knew him quite well- we were on the bench together in those days. He said he was retiring and the management committee would be selecting someone to take his place. If I was interested would I throw my hat in the ring.

“There are so many aspects of the job, but what I particularly enjoy is the challenge of managing the forest in such a way that you retain the conservation aspect and at the same time manage the forest as a place of recreation to the public. You don't manage it as a park. You try to keep it as a wild, natural place, but still accessible and a place of enjoyment for the public.

“I wouldn't have stuck it so long if I hadn't enjoyed it. I've always like challenges. I've been lucky in life generally I think in that I've been able to do things I have enjoyed.

“I'll miss it, but I know it's the right time to be retiring. Often in any job, and particularly in local government you can go on too long, and you get to the stage where you don't know you've gone on too long. I don't want to get to that stage. I hope they can find someone to take over.”

An entirely voluntary role, the four verderers of Epping Forest are selected from the surrounding 12 forest parishes and people are expected to display an intimate knowledge of their area.

Richard Morris, from Loughton, became a verderer in 1998 and combines his position with that of secretary of the Loughton and District Historical Society.

He said: “We represent the commoners interest in the forest that goes back hundreds of years since about the 12th century. We are the link or one of the links between members of the public and the City of London.”

Anyone interested in applying should send a letter supporting their application to the Town Clerk’s Department, City of London, P.O. Box 270, Guildhall, London EC2P 2EJ, for the attention of Natasha Cendrowicz, or email natasha.cendrowicz@cityoflondon.gov.uk. The closing date is October 9.