Epping Forest

Epping Forest

Area:

• 2400 ha (18km long by 4km wide), eastern side of London, between River Lea and River Roding
• Largest open space in London

Ecosystem:

• 70% deciduous woodland, i.e. beech, oak, hornbeam, understorey of holly and yew
• 4% heath, 6% bogs and ponds, 20% grassland
• Species include fallow deer and muntjac, including rare invertebrates, i.e. newts
• Largest stock of ancient trees, over 400 years, in the UK

History:

• Norman hunting ground and grazing site for commoners livestock
• 1878, Epping Forest Act gave ownership to Corporation of London
• Since the 1981 Countryside Act, 66% is now SSSI or SAC

Threats

Natural:

• Former grazing site is now being re-colonised by secondary woodland
• Once pollarded trees are increasing in canopy, so shading out species
• Infilling of ponds by vegetation
• Deer…