I write to congratulate the Epping Forest Heritage Trust on its wonderful work as reported at its recent annual general meeting.

The trust was formed in 2018 from the merger of the Friends of Epping Forest (established in 1969) with the Epping Forest Centenary Trust (established in 1978), the centenary of the Epping Forest Act of Parliament 1878.

So while a new charity in name it has a wonderfully long history working for the forest and its communities.

The objectives of the trust are twofold:

To preserve and promote the natural, historical and cultural heritage of our local forest

To promote education, understanding and appreciation of Epping Forest.

Some of the highlights of their work are:

Regular voluntary conservation work with the Green Team and Happy Loppers committing to conservation workdays

12 guided walks throughout the year with more than 470 participants

The running of the Visitor’s Centre at High Beach (for the sixth year) recording 19,770 visitors

A team of 23 volunteers at this centre contributing a total of 2,899 voluntary hours of service. Sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge of the Forest with visitors, many visiting for the first time

As one local representative who has enjoyed Epping Forest for more than 60 years I wish to say thank you to the trust for all their hard work over the last 12 months and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Councillor Stephen Murray,

Loughton Town and District