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Epping Forest

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Countryside

Although bordering London and accessible on Transport for London tube and bus routes, much of the 131 square miles of the Epping Forest District is green and rural. 94% is within the Green Belt or farm land which is reflected in the rich and varied natural environments to be found. Although best known for the ancient forest of Epping, for which the district is named, equally important are the Lee Valley, Hainault Forest and Roding Meadows and all offer miles of walks, rides and places to experience a range of countryside activities. Many have disability access and run activities and events throughput the year. These can be found listed on our events pages.

The district is criss-crossed with footpaths, the most prominent of which is the Essex Way, which starts outside Epping underground station and ends 81 miles away at Harwich on the north Essex coast. These can be found on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 174 (Epping Forest and Lee Valley), and 183 (Chelmsford & The Rodings).

Epping Forest District is responsible for a number of areas noted for their outstanding wildlife habitat and beauty and these have been preserved and are managed by a council service called Countrycare. These nature reserves are open to the public throughout the year and volunteers are welcome to help maintain them, learning skills and making new friends at the same time.

Whether you enjoy open vistas and big skies, the dappled light under a canopy of trees, the burbling of a stream or the calm stillness of a lake, its all to find and explore across the Epping Forest District. And with the changing seasons, it’s a new experience every time you visit. Parking nearby is usually easy and free (or arrive by tube or bus) and there is usually a café, tea hut or pub along the way.

Get out and enjoy the countryside, its healthy, uplifting and free.

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Epping Forest

Address

The Warren, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4RW

Telephone
020 7332 1911

epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Loughton

Epping Forest, London's largest open space, is a registered charity managed by the City of London. Whether you wish to escape into the countryside and unwind, or need space to do something a little more active, Epping Forest has it covered.
Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery

Address

Carpenters Arms Lane, Thornwood, Epping, CM16 6LR

Telephone
07588 669255

peter@thornwoodtroutfishery.com

Epping

Thornwood Springs Trout Fishery - for the discerning fly fisherman with great fly life, wildlife and much more.
Theydon Bois Earthworks Sculpture and Woodland

Address

Abridge Road, Theydon Bois, Essex

Theydon Bois

Planted by local people and featuring a meadow, orchard and an earthwork sculpture visible from the M11, the young wood at Theydon Bois is a popular destination for dog walkers and nature lovers alike.
Lee Valley Regional Park

Address

Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middx, EN2 9HG

Telephone
03000030610

ifo@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

From London 2012 venues to campsites, heritage sites, cycling, walking, white water rafting, ice skating, horse riding, nature reserves and wide open spaces - you name it and its likely to be waiting for you in the Lee Valley.
Greensted Country Walk

Address

High Street, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9JG

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Ongar

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Theydon Bois Country Walk

Address

Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex, CM16 7EU

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Theydon Bois

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Lee Valley Wildlife Discovery Centre

Address

Fishers Green Car Park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Telephone
03000 030 644

wildlifediscoverycentre@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

A state of the art wildlife centre with a viewing tower, open throughout the year.
Waltham Abbey Gardens, Dragonfly Sanctuary & Cornmill Meadows Walk

Address

Epping Forest District Museum, Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL

Waltham Abbey

A 3 mile walk through flooded grassland, ponds, rivers, across areas designated as a site of Special Scientific interest.
Copped Hall

Address

Crown Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 5HS

Telephone
07799 473108

info@coppedhalltrust.org.uk

Epping

Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion is visible from the M25 which passes through a corner of the park. The mansion and gardens…