Epping forest: human impacts on an ecosystem

Question 1

woodland location

Answer 1

• slightly high ground between river Roding and River Lea: NE London
• covers 2400 ha

Question 2

woodland ecosystem

Answer 2

• beech woods are developed on acidic soils
• holly and yew in the shrub layer
• supports rare species e..g the moss zygadon and stag beetles
• 70% deciduous

Question 3

woodland history

Answer 3

• royal hunting ground in the Norman period
• local people allowed to grave livestock under trees
• 1850’s- nearby Hainault forest was largely cleared for farmland and development

Question 4

natural threats

Answer 4

• 1970’s, many trees had become old, top-heavy and diseased
• ground flora had been shaded out
• deer strip vegetation

Question 5

human threats

Answer 5

• footpath trampling has reduced sensitive species e.g. heather
• fly-tipping has led to closure of car parks at night
• littler may kill animals and cause fires
• dogs may disturb deer and ground nesting birds

Question 6

official responses and conservation

Answer 6

1878 Epping forest act: concern landowners may also enclose common land in Epping forest

• wildlife and countryside act (1981) strengthened protection and now 66% is SSIS and SAC
• repollarding in 1990 to open up canopy
• crown reduction was started to prevent old beech and oak trees collapsing
• secondary woodland along woodland edges was coppiced to stimulate shrub growth for nesting birds e..g nightingale
• visitor centre at High Beech provides info about the forest and offers educational courses