Who we are
We are a charity and a membership organisation with a big mission to inspire people about Epping Forest, and to conserve and protect its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage now and for generations to come. We operate across the whole of Epping Forest, covering 6,000 acres stretching from Manor Park in East London to Epping in Essex.
Epping Forest is for everyone to love. Our work is to stand up for this wonderful ancient Forest and inspire everyone to do the same. We have regular guided walk programmes to help you get to know Epping Forest, and we operate the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach on behalf of City of London Corporation (the Conservators). We also help to increase the biodiversity of the Forest through hands-on conservation work, campaigns to raise awareness of the Forest and advocate at planning enquiries to ensure it does not suffer direct damage from more development, traffic or pollution.
What we do
Inspire & educate people about Epping Forest
Guided walks, talk series or chatting with our volunteers at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach, which we operate on behalf of City of London Corporation. Join us to learn, appreciate and celebrate this wonderful ancient Forest
Extending our conservation activities
We are in the process of expanding our conservation activities in the Forest, including putting on women-only sessions. Join our pilot sessions to carry out hands-on conservation work in Epping Forest. Everyone is welcome!
Protect Epping Forest through research & advocacy work
We advocate on behalf of the Forest, engage the public and work with partners and stakeholders in relation to public policy concerning the Forest, including local planning and sustainable transport.
Become a member
There is no better way to support us than by becoming a member. Let’s amplify the voice of Epping Forest!
Together, we can be a vital voice to conserve, protect and celebrate Epping Forest’s biodiversity, heritage and culture, so that it can be enjoyed responsibly now and for generations to come.
Whether you choose to join us as a single or joint member, your voice matters!

Read our blogs
Memories of Elaine Baker
We are immensely grateful and touched to have received a very generous gift from the late Elaine Baker, who kindly remembered us in her will. A life member of the Trust and a former staff member at Suntrap (now The Hive), she was deeply connected to the Forest.
Sale of Debden House campsite
We are aware of the planned sale of Debden campsite, and here are our views on the proposed sale by the Newham Council.
Back to the future? An archive article from 1978
This article was written in 1978 by Christine Ruth, featuring threats the Forest faced back then and the Friends of Epping Forest’s work around road building schemes in the 1970s.
