This article was first published in the Spring 2023 issue of Trust in the Forest
In 1986 Georgina Green, supported by the Friends of Epping Forest, approached John Besent, then Superintendent of Epping Forest, with the idea of creating a specially surfaced path for people in wheelchairs. He encouraged Georgina to find a
suitable location and she explored various parts of the Forest with groups from two disability organisations. In October the City of London Corporation agreed a pilot scheme should be launched and the Superintendent raised the idea with the Epping Forest Centenary Trust who agreed to explore funding possibilities.
Wheelchair push at Epping Forest Easy Access Trail 13 December 1987
In Autumn 1987 a leaflet was issued by the Trust for ‘Disabled and Elderly Visitors’ highlighting suitable places to walk with flat, firm ground. The Trust agreed that half of the £20,000 needed for a path should be paid from their funds and approached various charitable organisations for donations. Funds for a pilot scheme and further publicity were generated by a special ‘Wheelchair Push’ on 13 December 1987. Prominent local figures took part by pushing volunteers who were wheelchair bound from High Beach to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge on a cold, but thankfully dry day.
In July 1988 the Trust announced that sufficient funds had been donated including £4,000 from the City Parochial Foundation and work started in constructing the path that autumn. The site at High Beach was chosen with the path meandering through a varied section of the Forest with ancient trees, a variety of tree species, a small pond and a patch of grassland.
The path was officially opened on 17 June 1989 and proved very popular. This encouraged the City to create additional paths, now known as ‘Easy Access Paths’ around Knighton Lake, Connaught Waters and the Jubilee Pond on Wanstead Flats. When the Visitor Centre opened at High Beach in 1993 with facilities for disabled people, it created new opportunities for groups from special schools and adults with learning difficulties. Today the Easy Access Paths are enjoyed by many people, young and old, who are less mobile.
Note:
Georgina Green is still a very active volunteer for the Trust at the High Beach Visitor Centre and leading walks. Thank you for your work on the Easy Access Paths and continued support.
We know that work needs to be done to make the Forest accessible to everyone. If you would like to help, please get in
contact at: admin@efht.org.uk
Today, there are two wheel chair accessible routes in Epping Forest, one is at High Beach, the other is at Connaught Water. To find out more, visit City of London Corporation’s website.