Firstly, may I wish you all a Happy New Year. I hope that 2026 brings many enjoyable visits to Epping Forest.
Winter offers a unique kind of beauty – leafless trees reveal their striking forms, often framed by atmospheric mists or illuminated by the crisp ‘blue’ winter light or the warm glow of early sunsets.
This year has begun with an arctic blast and, with more than 100 ponds across the Forest, many have been frozen. Unfortunately, it has been necessary for the Fire Brigade to rescue visitors and dogs who ventured onto the ice and found themselves in serious danger.
To help everyone enjoy the Forest safely, I would remind visitors to keep off frozen ponds and to ensure children and dogs do the same. Even shallow water can be surprisingly hazardous in icy conditions.
We also ask visitors to avoid throwing sticks or debris onto the ice. When the ice melts, this debris enters the water, causing a deterioration in water quality and potentially blocking weirs or dams, increasing the risk of paths becoming flooded during heavy rainfall.
Whilst we warmly invite you to explore the Forest during these winter months, Epping Forest is a wild landscape. Visitors should come prepared and exercise the same care they would extend when exploring any natural place.
The woodland can appear quiet at this time of year, but nature is using this time in its lifecycle to restore and prepare for the explosion of spring.
This activity beneath the surface is mirrored in the seasonal Winter Story of Jill Barklem’s charming Brambly Hedge books.
The complete series, alongside other related merchandise, is available at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford, which is also the perfect starting point for embarking on your own Epping Forest Brambly Hedge Trail adventure.
This month, the birds of the Forest begin preparation for their nesting season.
Woodpeckers have already been heard drumming their territories with an evocative seasonal sound that echoes throughout the treetops. Why not take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which is running until Sunday (January 25), by recording your own bird sightings on a Forest walk?
In February, we will once again be helping the skylark population on Wanstead Flats by installing the temporary fencing for their nesting season, enhancing their chances of successful breeding.
I visited the site recently with the Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group’s Committee member, Tim Harris, to learn about the success of last year’s conservation efforts and look forward to updating you further on this next month.
Winter is not a dormant time for our Epping Forest team, who continue working in all weathers to care for this protected ancient wood-pasture, ensuring that our special natural landscape is ready for another busy year of exciting events and activities. To stay up to date, follow Epping Forest on social media or sign-up to receive Forest Focus, our free, digital newsletter.
If you haven’t already, 2026 could be the perfect year to try volunteering. Volunteering is a wonderful to support your wellbeing, while directly helping us with the conservation of this precious ancient woodland. Find out more at: cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest
However you find yourself in “the green lungs of London” throughout 2026, you are most welcome and I hope you enjoy your visit!
- Caroline Haines is chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee.
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