This winter has been exceptionally wet, with rainfall well above average.
While this has helped refill ponds after last summer’s drought, it has also caused some of the Forest’s ponds and rivers to overtop – losing a vital water source that we may need in the hotter months.
Our leaky dams project has therefore continued at pace, thanks to our fantastic volunteers, now affectionately known as ‘beavers’. Many of you may have seen the recent coverage on BBC and ITV this month.
These natural-material dams sit within streams and ditches and act as a gentle, nature-based flood management system. By slowing, diverting and holding water, they help the Forest stay wetter for longer into the summer months.
This supports the ancient trees that make Epping Forest so special and increases species biodiversity.
This work is funded and delivered through the City of London’s Climate Action Strategy, in partnership with Epping Forest.
As the Epping Forest Act of 1878 requires us to preserve the natural aspect of the Forest, many areas remain intentionally wild. With the ground so wet and muddy, a sturdy pair of wellingtons is highly recommended!
Our Estates team has also been hard at work improving paths across the Forest. With over 20 miles of surfaced paths – equivalent to the distance from Loughton to Chelmsford – path maintenance is a significant task for the charity.
Work is progressing on the Gloucester Ride and improvements to the Easy Access Path at High Beach are underway. Our team has also resurfaced the car parks at Snaresbrook and Hollow Pond.
We’re delighted to share the success of last year’s skylark conservation work at Wanstead Flats: youtube.com/watch?v=IZayX_-2AfY.
Temporary fencing will return on February 26 to give skylarks and other ground-nesting birds the best possible chance to thrive this breeding season.
Huge thanks go to the Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group and the local community for their invaluable support with these important conservation efforts.
I was pleased to join the Epping Forest team recently for a hedgerow planting day on the Copped Hall estate – another initiative to boost biodiversity and nature connectivity.
We offer rewarding, hands on opportunities for individuals and businesses to support this work, so if your organisation would like a memorable and meaningful corporate volunteering day, please contact: efvolunteering@cityoflondon.gov.uk.
Even in cold, muddy February, the collaborative experience of hedgerow planting was energising and hugely worthwhile.
Regular visitors may have noticed a change to how our Forest Keepers operate.
Each team is now responsible for a specific area of the Forest, providing a single point of contact and enabling more responsive, site based management. Their enthusiasm has already brought tangible improvements such as culvert repairs and has strengthened relationships with local communities.
Finally, our Enforcement team has recently gained new powers through the Essex Police Accreditation Scheme, further enhancing our ability to protect Epping Forest. I was delighted to celebrate this important milestone with the team last month.
As the ancient landscape of Epping Forest emerges from the depths of winter, I remain deeply grateful to our staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts during the harshest months of the year – nurturing nature and preparing the Forest for the seasons ahead.
- Caroline Haines is chair of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee.
