Local groups who want to have a say on the future of Epping Forest can join a new committee.

The City of London Corporation is calling on people to help shape the park's future and secure its legacy in the area.

The committee will be a new, open forum where Epping Forest management and policy issues can be discussed, with representative user groups from across the Forest.

Its views will feed into the City Corporation’s the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, which makes decisions about forest policy.

In total, 16 local groups will be selected to join the committee.

The chairman will be Philip Woodhouse, Chairman of the City Corporation’s the Epping Forest and Commons Committee.

Representatives on the new consultative committee will be drawn from groups from across the community with a specific interest in the heritage, recreation and conservation of the Forest.

The committee will meet regularly and will be open to the public.

Mr Woodhouse said: “Epping Forest has always benefited from a wide range of user groups with a real knowledge and interest in the ancient woodland.

“We want to make sure that Epping Forest continues to be managed in an open and inclusive way. This new forum will be a great opportunity for all of us to share ideas which can improve our enjoyment of the Forest.”

Epping Forest user groups that want to nominate a representative for the new Consultative Committee should contact Epping Forest business manager Jo Hurst on Jo.Hurst@cityoflondon.gov.uk or 020 8532 5317.