|
|
Introduction |
Woodlands and
Trees |
Open Lands |
Wetlands |
Buffer Lands |
 Introduction
Epping Forest is an area of ancient woodland, which
for over 700 years was managed in order to provide wood for fuel and
shelter, and for the grazing of cattle. This management provided a
diverse range of habitats, from woodland and wood pasture, to open lands
such as grassland, heatherland and scrub , and ponds and bogs. This
forestry management was carried out by the commoners, who were given rights
to collect wood and graze their cattle.
The Epping Forest act of 1878 ended the right to
harvest wood, and the slow decline in cattle grazing in the forest has
threatened the rich variety of habitats, leading to the invasion of foreign
species and open lands becoming overgrown. Epping Forest has been
threatened by the 17th centaury Agricultural Revolution and the 19th
centaury Industrial Revolution which has seen areas deforested and enclosed.
The Epping Forest Act of 1878 has stopped this encroachment and recently
buffer land has been acquired to further protect the boundaries of the
Forest.
Here we will take a look at the different habitats
that exist within Epping Forest, how they were traditionally managed, how
they were threatened and what efforts there has been to preserve the
Forest for the enjoyment of all and for future generations. Each
habitat includes examples of how we have worked with the Epping Forest
Centenary Trust to help conserve them and improve access for everybody's
benefit.
|
