In spring 2025, we were very grateful to have received a donation in memory of Peter Leveridge. And in our Autumn/ Winter 2025, Peter’s family shared a touching article in memory of Peter and his life long connection to the Forest, of which you can read below.
In memory of Peter William Leveridge
by Peggy, Jenny and Jacob Leveridge
‘What is this life if full of care we have no time to stand and stare?’ – W.H.Davies
Peter on his walks in Epping Forest
The quote above tells a great deal about Peter’s personality, interest and knowledge of his in a variety of life’s events. He was born at St Margarets’ in June 1941 and grew up in Ashley Grove in Loughton before helping his father to build their house in Forest Way. He attended Staples Road infants and junior school, then Buckhurst Hill grammar school. Peter’s early years were occupied with cubs and scouts, many walks, his favourite exploration adventures damming streams and playing games in Epping Forest. Other lifelong interests’ of his included chess, working with wood and art which he practiced from an early age.
Peter studied civil engineering at Bristol University and was an active member of the University’s Scout and Guide Club. As consulting structural engineer, Peter was involved in many projects here and abroad and was commended on his work for Trinity College Library in Cambridge and the Landmark Theatre in Devon. In his early adulthood, Peter took many artistic photographs of Epping Forest, in all seasons, one of which was of coppiced beeches in sunlight, which his daughter was inspired to paint.
Jennys watercolour painting from one of her fathers photograph
Peters’ parents continued to live in Forest Way for the rest of their married life. There were regular visits there when we married and with our children plus a family dog bringing us all back to the magical forest, which we all loved.
In the garden of our current house, there stood an established beech tree. Peter planted snowdrops and bluebells underneath it, and added to the tree friendly garden an arced beech hedge, maple and silver birches. The long sweeping branches of this beech are a lovely reminder of the atmosphere of Epping Forest.
Interestingly, despite having travelled, worked and lived in different locations in the UK and overseas, Peters’ birth, marriage and death were all registered in Epping.
About donation in memory of a loved one:
We would be honoured if you would like to celebrate the life of a loved one who was passionate about Epping Forest by leaving a donation in their memory. We will make sure that these kind gifts will work hard, helping to protect and preserve the Forest that those people cherished, so that it can be enjoyed and loved for generations to come.
Giving in honour or remembrance of someone can help their memory to live on in this wonderful ancient Forest. When you take a stroll among the ancient trees, wander through ancient monuments, or reflect next to one of many tranquil ponds, you can think of them and know your kindness and their love for the Forest has helped this precious place and its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage to thrive for many years to come.
- If you would like to know more about in memory donations, please visit our website here.
- If you would like to speak with us, please email: admin@efht.org.uk or call us on 020 8508 9061.