Epping Forest

Question 1

What does the City of London Cooperation do/provide for the forest?

Answer 1

Provides car parks, toilets, refreshment facilities and maintains footpaths

3 easy-access parks for people with disabilities

Old trees allowed to die and fall naturally

Controls riding and mountain biking

Preserves ancient trees through pollarding (1,000 since 1981)

Encourages grazing to maintain grassland and flora & fauna

Preserves ancient earthworks and buildings

Maintains ponds to prevent them silting up

Preserves herd of fallow deer

Question 2

What is Epping Forest made up of?

Answer 2

70% deciduous woodland (mostly beech), including grasslands and marshes.

Question 3

How big is Epping Forest?

Answer 3

2,500ha, 19km long and 4km wide

Question 4

What are some species that are native to Epping Forest?

Answer 4

All 3 native species of woodpecker, wood-boring stag beetles & fallow deer

Question 5

Where and what is Epping Forest?

Answer 5

Ancient deciduous forest running north-east of London on a high gravel ridge

Question 6

How was Epping Forest used in the Norman times?

Answer 6

Since Norman times…
kings & queens hunted deer
‘commoners’ grazed animals and collected wood for firewood & building

Question 7

Describe a management technique put in place at the forest

Answer 7

Pollarding used to manage woodland ➔ trees cut above shoulder height (deer can’t reach) ➔ ensures supply of wood for future generations ➔ ancient or ‘veteran’ trees

Question 8

What is the history of management of Epping Forest?

Answer 8

19th century ➔ local landowners attempt to buy forest

➔ 1878 Epping Forest Act of Parliament

➔forest preserved (unenclosed and unbuilt on) for the recreation and enjoyment of the people

➔ City of London Corporation manages the forest

Question 9

What recognition does it have?

Answer 9

Over 1,600ha of the forest has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation