FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emma Burnell, Campaign Manager, Epping Forest Heritage Trust
07851 941111 | emma.burnell@efht.org.uk
A group of organisations dedicated to protecting and preserving Epping Forest have today joined together to call for all councillors and council candidates to pledge to show their love for the Forest in their decision making.
Those standing for the council in Epping Forest District and the London Boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest will be asked to promise to reflect their love for the Forest in their decision making.
The group, convened by Epping Forest Heritage Trust, includes Epping Forest Transport Action Group, the Wren Conservation Group and Bushwood Park Residents Association and represents members of those organisations across Epping Forest.
Over the coming weeks we will be asking all councillors and candidates to sign up to four simple promises:
- To put my love for the Forest at the heart of my work as a local Councillor. I will demonstrate this by making it clear in all relevant decision-making that I have considered the needs of the Forest now, and for generations to come.
- To work to reduce levels of pollution in and around the Forest by ensuring all decision making takes pollution levels into account.
- To work to increase access to the Forest for all residents from my local area across a range of accessible and sustainable transport modes.
- To take relevant, appropriate action to tackle climate change, and promote the vital role of the Forest in absorbing CO2 and helping to tackle the climate crisis.
Judith Adams, Chair of Epping Forest Heritage Trust said:
“This campaign celebrates our common ground – literally. No matter what party you represent or vote for, whether you represent an urban or rural place, we share our love for Epping Forest. This is a great chance for those running to be the custodians of our areas and communities to show how they will help to preserve and protect the Forest for now and generations to come.”
James Heal, Chair, Wren Wildlife & Conservation Group said:
“The value of Epping Forest as the lungs of London, as a place of natural diversity, and as a place of historic significance cannot be overemphasised. The Wren Wildlife & Conservation Group warmly supports this initiative to encourage deeper commitment to its protection and greater recognition of its value.”
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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). It is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation as the Conservator of the Forest under the Epping Forest Act 1878.
- Details of and resources for the campaign can be found on the Epping Forest Heritage Trust website here.
- 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 If you would like to sign up to our newsletter please email admin@efht.org.uk.