Epping Forest facts for kids

Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a very special ancient woodland located right on the edge of Greater London and Essex, England. It's quite unique because it's very long and thin, stretching over 18 kilometres (11 mi) (about 11 miles) from north to south. However, it's never more than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) (about 2.5 miles) wide. This makes it a long green corridor for nature and people.

Epping Forest is one of the few large ancient forests left near London. It's a place where you can explore nature, learn about history, and enjoy outdoor activities. People have lived in and used this forest for thousands of years.

A Glimpse into History

Epping Forest has a very long and interesting past. It's much older than you might think!

Early Inhabitants

The earliest signs of people living in the Epping Forest area date back to the Mesolithic period. This was a time over 6,000 years ago, when people were hunter-gatherers. They would have used the forest for food and shelter.

Later, during the time of the Roman Empire, there was even a Roman villa rustica (a type of Roman farm or country house) within the forest. This shows that people have been connected to this land for a very long time.

A Royal Hunting Ground

For many centuries, Epping Forest was a "royal forest." This didn't mean it was covered in trees everywhere, but rather that it was a special area where the king or queen had the right to hunt deer. Kings and queens, including Elizabeth I, would come here to hunt. You can still visit Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge in Chingford, which was built for King Henry VIII.

Saving the Forest for Everyone

By the 19th century, parts of the forest were being sold off and built upon. People became worried that this important natural space would disappear. A big fight took place to protect the forest for everyone to enjoy.

In 1878, a special law called the Epping Forest Act was passed. This law made sure that the forest would be kept "unenclosed and unbuilt upon." It also gave control of the forest to the City of London Corporation. This was a huge victory for conservation and meant the forest would be protected for future generations.

Nature and Wildlife

Epping Forest is a fantastic place for nature. It's home to many different kinds of plants and animals.

Trees and Plants

The forest has a mix of ancient trees, especially beech and oak. Many of these trees have been "pollarded" over hundreds of years. Pollarding is a special way of cutting trees above the reach of grazing animals. This made the trees grow new branches that could be used for firewood or timber, without killing the tree. This practice has created unique-looking trees and habitats.

You can also find many other plants, including ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, especially in spring.

Animals and Birds

Epping Forest is a haven for wildlife. You might spot various mammals like deer (including fallow deer and roe deer), foxes, and badgers. It's also a great place for birdwatching, with many species living there, such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest's ponds and streams are home to amphibians like frogs and newts.

Fun Things to Do

Epping Forest offers many activities for visitors of all ages.

Walking and Cycling

With its many paths and trails, the forest is perfect for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. There are routes for all abilities, from short strolls to longer treks. You can explore different parts of the forest, from dense woodlands to open grasslands.

Lakes and Ponds

The forest has several beautiful lakes and ponds. Connaught Water is an ornamental lake named after the Duke of Connaught. Hollow Pond is another popular spot, which used to be a gravel pit. These areas are great for picnics, feeding ducks, or simply enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Sports and Recreation

Open areas like Wanstead Flats are used for sports, including youth football matches. The forest also has areas for horse riding and even some cricket grounds that have been used for centuries.

Art and Inspiration

The beauty of Epping Forest has inspired many artists over the years. The famous sculptor Jacob Epstein created a series of paintings inspired by the forest.

Protecting Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a very important natural area. It is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This means it has special legal protection to preserve its unique habitats and wildlife. The City of London Corporation manages the forest, working to keep it healthy and enjoyable for everyone.

Images for kids

• 

  Location of Epping Forest (shown in green) within Greater London and Essex

• 

  Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Chingford

• 

  The marks used by the Reeves of Epping Forest to brand Commoner's cattle turned out to graze in the "forest wastes." The marks denote the parishes entitled to this right, and consist of a letter surmounted by a crown or a cross.

• 

  Connaught Water, an ornamental lake of 8 acres (3.2 ha) named after the Duke of Connaught, the first forest ranger

• 

  An overgrown Beech pollard, in Epping Forest

• 

  Secondary woodland in Epping Forest

• 

  Hollow Pond, a former gravel pit on Leyton Flats near Whipps Cross.

• 

  Mountain biking in Epping Forest.

• 

  A youth football match on Wanstead Flats.

• 

  The sculptor Jacob Epstein created a series of paintings of the forest