We were happy to meet with one of the Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group’s volunteers last week at Wanstead Flats. It was good to hear that the skylarks in our temporarily-fenced skylark conservation area seem to be doing well so far this year. It’s too early in the season to assess at this stage, but we’ll of course update when the fencing comes down by 1 September. Thank you to the Wren Group and the local community for their support with the skylark conservation in Wanstead.
We certainly heard plenty of beautiful skylark song while we were there! 🤞
Our thanks to the Wren group who provided some fascinating facts throughout the visit. Did you know that Wanstead Flats in Epping Forest is one of the best areas in London for bird watching? Over 100 bird species are spotted in this area alone each year!
Want to know more about wildlife in Wanstead? Drop in to the Wren Group’s Wildlife Weekend this summer. Details to be announced by the Wren Group very soon!
💚🪶
#eppingforest #eppingforestcharity #wrengroup #wildlife #birdwatching #eppingforestwildlife #skylarks #skylarkconservation #wansteadflats #wanstead #volunteers #welovevolunteers #eppingforestvolunteers
Our team has a wealth of knowledge and understanding about Epping Forest. But you don’t need to know the names of the trees, identify every bird call, or be an expert in nature to benefit from it. 🌿
Just step outside.
Feel the breeze.
Listen to the sounds around you.
Notice the light through the leaves.
Nature has a way of slowing the mind down and making space to breathe again. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, your mental wellbeing doesn’t need perfection - sometimes it just needs fresh air, a quiet path, and a moment away from the noise.
Epping Forest is waiting for you, get out and enjoy it
#eppingforest #mentalwellbeing #nature #breathe #slowdown
We celebrated the restoration of the 'London 15' milestone in Epping Forest on Monday 11 May.
This milestone, which is located on Bell Common in Epping, has been lovingly restored by Jimmy Waters of the Milestone Society and stonemason Stan Reynolds. The project has also been supported by our friends at Epping Town Council. We're delighted to work in partnership with all those involved to support the wonderful restoration of one of the Forest's roadside heritage features. Our grateful thanks to all involved.
Our thanks also go to one of our super Volunteer Photographers, Mike Ward, for taking these photographs 📸
#eppingforest #eppingforestcharity #eppingforestheritage #history #localhistory #epping #eppingtowncouncil #milestonesociety #milestone
A great day at Wanstead Flats yesterday with @londonfirebrigade and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
☀️This was a really helpful session in preparation for the incoming summer months ahead with potentially hot and dry weather, which obviously increases the risk of wildfires.
Everyone came together to share information, demonstrate equipment and - importantly - talk about how to keep the Forest safe from the threat of fires. As always, we're grateful to the local fire services who help us to tackle the threat of fire throughout Epping Forest and its surrounding Buffer Lands.
Remember, you can do your bit when you visit Epping Forest:
🔥Fires and BBQs are never permitted anywhere in Epping Forest.
🚮Please take your rubbish home with you. Discarded litter can increase the risk of wildfires (as well as being a hazard to wildlife and unsightly!)
🚬If you smoke, take care where you discard cigarettes, even if you are driving through this important and protected landscape.
With thanks also to the @metpolice_uk , @officialthameswater , @lbwalthamforest , @redbridgecouncil and @newhamlondon . #partnershipworking #eppingforest #wansteadflats #londonfirebrigade #essexfireservice #cityoflondon #summer #eppingforestcharity #wanstead #wansteadcommunity
🌿 Mental Health Awareness Week in Epping Forest 🌿
Spending time in nature is good for us, but it’s not just any nature that matters.
Research from King’s College London shows that biodiversity is key to the mental health benefits we gain from being outdoors. The richer the mix of species around us, the greater the boost to our mood and wellbeing.
Here in Epping Forest, that’s something our volunteers experience first-hand.
Throughout the survey season they help monitor the butterflies, birds, plants, ponds and more: quietly observing, recording, and learning about the many species that call the Forest home.
Many tell us they feel calmer, more focused and uplifted after a session in the field.
There’s something powerful about close connection with nature, and about giving back by helping to protect it for the future.
🌱 Healthy ecosystems support healthy minds and our monitoring helps us understand how to care for the Forest’s extraordinary biodiversity in a changing world.
Want to take part?
Sign up now for the 2027 survey season and join our volunteer monitoring community by visiting our volunteer at Epping Forest website, link in bio.
Or help right now by submitting your species sightings via the form on our Epping Forest wildlife webpage, link in bio.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #EppingForest #Biodiversity #NatureForWellbeing #Volunteering #CitizenScience #HealthyEcosystemHealthyMind
Calling all artists!
Are you inspired by the magic of Epping Forest? If so, why not submit a piece of artwork to our annual Summer Show.
This year's theme is ‘colour and vibrancy’ and the deadline for submissions is Sunday 28 June.
You can find full details, plus the entry form, at the link in our bio (click on 'What's new in Epping Forest'). The forms are also available at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford.
Good luck!
#eppingforest #eppingforestevents #eppingforestartists #nature
Join one of our knowledgeable Visitor Experience Assistants for a guided tour of the fascinating exhibition at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre, telling the story of Epping Forest's past and how it was saved by the Epping Forest Act of 1878. The next guided tour will be at 2pm on Thursday 21 May. Free, but please book: https://bit.ly/4vWMQa9
Or take a guided tour of our Tudor gem, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, at 2pm on Friday 22 May. Free, but please book: https://bit.ly/4elzgHe
As well as being an internationally important ancient wood-pasture, Epping Forest is home to many varied heritage buildings, sites and features, so join us during #localandcommunityhistorymonth to find out more about this unique place. We look forward to welcoming you!
#eppingforest #eppingforestevents #eppingforestcharity #eppingforesthistory #eppingforestheritage #cityoflondon #localhistory #communityhistory
Exciting news! Our #EppingForest Open Air theatre season at the Temple, #WansteadPark is back this summer.
🎭 @eastlondonshakespearefestival presents A Midsummer Night's Dream on Saturday 13 June. Matinee show starts at 3pm, evening show starts at 7pm.
🎭 @illyriatheatre presents Pinocchio on Saturday, 4 July at 3pm.
🎭 Illyria presents The Three Musketeers on Sunday, 26 July at 7pm.
🎭 Illyria presents The Pirates of Penzance on Sunday, 30 August at 7pm.
For more info and tickets see the link in our bio (click on 'What's new in Epping Forest').
These shows are always extremely popular so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!
#eppingforest #openairtheatre #wanstead #wansteadpark #eppingforestevents #cityoflondon
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who cleared over 10 bags of litter from Eagle Pond on Saturday. If you're interested in getting involved in our Top Picks litter picks, visit our Eventbrite page: https://f.mtr.cool/znoyhgohpe
Next Top Pick: Tuesday 26 May, 10am - 12noon
Location: TBC
#EppingForest #community #Eaglepond #eppingforesttoppicks
🌿 Youth litter pick at High Beach 🌳
Join us this half term for a one hour youth litter pick in Epping Forest. It’s a great chance for children and families to get outdoors, help care for the Forest and learn more about the environment along the way 🐞🍃
🗓️ Wednesday 27 May, 11am
📍 Pillow Mounds car park (parking restrictions apply)
📍 What3Words: ///fame.only.lies
🧤 All equipment provided including gloves, litter pickers and bags
👨👩👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult
👟 Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather
Come along, get involved and help us look after one of London’s most important green spaces 💚
This is a free event but booking is essential via Eventbrite:
https://f.mtr.cool/ktwfjesabh
#EppingForest #YouthLitterPick #HalfTermActivities #GetOutside #Nature #YoungVolunteers #Community #ProtectNature
We have lots of great fun lined up for you in Epping Forest this May half term! For all the details, and to book, please visit: https://f.mtr.cool/eitedizbnk
🐝Bee event at the Visitor Centre - 11am, Sunday 24 May
🌳 Youth Conservation Session - 9.30am, Tuesday 26 May
🎨Pam Mulholland Cyanotype Art Workshop - 11.30am, Tuesday 26 May (https://f.mtr.cool/zmodxjwvgw)
💚Youth Volunteer Litter Pick (High Beach) - 11am, Wednesday 27 May
🌱Little Saplings - 10.30am, 29 May
Visit our Epping Forest Brambly Hedge Trail, starting at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Rangers Road, Chingford. Don't forget the charming Brambly Hedge Exhibition, curated by Brambly Hedge, is on at the Lower Gallery too! Well worth a visit!
The Epping Forest Visitor Centre at Chingford is open 10am-5pm everyday during half term, including bank holiday Monday.
For further details, and to book, please visit: https://f.mtr.cool/gwhtrqyudn
These events are organised by the Epping Forest charity, a charity preserving and protecting the Forest, with the City of London Corporation as Conservators and Trustee.
#eppingforest #eppingforestcharity #eppingforestevents #eppingforest #bramblyhedge #efbramblyhedge #cityoflondon #eppingforestvisitorcentre #halftermevents #bankholiday #mayhalfterm
🌿 Mental Health Awareness Week 🌿
Taking time to get outdoors and move your body can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Whether it’s a peaceful walk through Epping Forest, a bike ride along the trails, or simply pausing to enjoy some fresh air, spending time in nature can help reduce stress, lift your mood, improve sleep, and boost energy levels. 💚
Epping Forest hosts an abundance of physical activity opportunities, including:
🚶 Shared-use paths to explore
🚴 Cycling routes
🐴Over 60 miles (96km) of horse rides
⚽ Up to 60 football pitches at Wanstead Flats
⛳ A public golf course (Par 72), just minutes from Chingford station.
This week, take a moment for yourself. Step outside, get active, and enjoy the benefits. 🌳✨
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #EppingForest #OutdoorWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #MoveForYourMind #NatureAndWellbeing
