Epping Forest

Epping Forest is an ancient woodland covering approximately 2,400 hectares on the borders of north-east London and Essex, stretching from Walthamstow in the south to Epping in the north. It was saved from enclosure and development by the Corporation of the City of London, which purchased it and secured its protection under the Epping Forest Act of 1878, and the Forest remains under the Corporation's management. The forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and contains significant numbers of ancient pollarded hornbeam and beech trees. It provides recreational green space for millions of residents of the surrounding London suburbs and Essex towns.