After a 3-year break because of the pandemic, the Epping Forest Big Walk took place on Sunday 25th September, with over 200 people, mostly from London and Essex, participating.
Originally called the Epping Forest Centenary Walk, it was established in 1978 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Epping Forest Act 1878 which protected the Forest from enclosure. The route of the walk was devised by Fred Matthews from the West Essex Ramblers and Harry Bitten from the Friends of Epping Forest, and continues to be a partnership between Epping Forest Heritage Trust and the West Essex Ramblers, with support from the City of London Corporation who own and manage the Forest.
As part of the day participants were also able to learn more about the Forest with talks by the Superintendent of Epping Forest, Paul Thomson; Judith Adams, Chair of Epping Forest Heritage Trust and Gordon Turpin, Chair of Highams Park Planning Group. Verderer William Kennedy and Redbridge Councillor Rosa Gomez wished walkers well at their stop at the Mallinson Scout Hut while Verderer Michael Chapman congratulated them on their achievement when they arrived at Bell Common in Epping, while Councillor. Councillor Jon Whitehouse from Epping Forest District Councillor walked the full 14.1 miles.
Early start at Wanstead Flats, Epping Forest Big Walk 2022
Gordon Turpin talked to walkers about Highams Park-Epping Forest Big Walk 2022
Walkers on Green Ride – Epping Forest Big Walk
Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of the Trust says “It was fantastic to see so many people of different ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy the huge diversity of the Forest: from Manor Park Flats in Newham, across Wanstead Flats in Redbridge, through Hollow Ponds, Highams Park and Chingford in Waltham Forest, through to High Beach before finishing up in Bell Common in Epping.”
“Not everyone walked the whole distance”, continued Peter, “and that is absolutely fine. People have busy schedules and abilities, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy this fantastic ancient Forest. Whether people joined right at the start or at High Beach, we hope everyone enjoyed their walk, met new people and learnt a little bit more about the Forest we so love.”
Walkers were also able to properly relax on the route, without the need to look at a map or worry about directions, as they were led and supported by a group of volunteer walk leaders and marshals. Volunteers also provided refreshments at 3 stops along the route.
To celebrate the walk Epping Forest Heritage Trust has published a new leaflet which includes a map of the walk route, as well as advice on how to break the walk into stages accessible by public transport.
If you would like a copy of the Epping Forest Big Walk map and leaflet please email admin@efht.org.uk
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Notes for editors
- Epping Forest Heritage Trust is the charity dedicated to inspiring and educating people about Epping Forest, engaging people in conserving the Forest, and protecting it now and for generations to come.
- Epping Forest is a historic ancient Forest of over 6,000 acres, rich in biodiversity, culture and heritage, much of which is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Since 1878 it has been owned and managed by the City of London Corporation as the Conservator of the Forest under the Epping Forest Act 1878.
- If you want to find out more about Epping Forest Heritage Trust please join us on Facebook or LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter or Instagram. If you would like to volunteer for us please check out the opportunities currently available on our website. If you would like to sign up for our newsletter please email admin@efht.org.uk.
- Messages of support for the day were sent in by Stephen Timms MP and Councillors Jo Blackman from Redbridge, Stephen Murray from Epping Forest District Council and James Asser from Newham.
- More photos available on request