Epping Forest Habitat Restoration Programme

This page gives information OWL receives about the Epping Forest Habitat Restoration Programme which threatens to change the cruising area with far less seclusion than we are used to. For full details of the plan for the Habitat Resoration Programme scroll down to the 19th August entry on this page. There’s a useful link, giving details of the work, here: https://storymaps.com/stories/d9e26c5311be40868f06a674588aee0f

Here are the communications OWL has received (most recent first):

9th December 2024. An email received by OWL from Epping Forest Natural Environment Department.

The last tasks of the Habitat Restoration work for 2024 were completed last week at Leyton Flats, which has made big progress towards the wider project with 120+ bags of rubbish removed, so a huge Thank you to OWL Snaresbrook for supporting on this.  
 
I would like to make you aware that the contractors are having to put down trackway to protect the ground from further impact due to the ongoing rainfall.  There will be lorry access from the access road from Snaresbrook Road – Whipps Cross Road junction gate to lay the trackway tomorrow and Wednesday.  Our key messaging to visitors is to please take care when walking on it as it maybe uneven and slippery.
 
This trackway will allow the contractors to continue chipping up the brash piles and removing them off site, which means they won’t be left over the summer when fire risk is high.  The trackway will be in place until early in the new year.
 
The Habitat Restoration programme work at this location is then scheduled to resume in the late summer 2025 to complete the wider works.
 
As we have already discussed the Habitat Restoration work can look quite severe initially, but these works are vital to create the long-term benefits:
  • Thriving grassland
  • Healthy wood pasture
  • Protected veteran tree

 

19th November 2024. Further information from the Epping Forest Natural Environment Department.

The contractors have started at what3words bucked.bake.hunter today (= 15th November) and moving in a north easterly direction.  They are likely to finish this block (close to Snaresbrook car park) by Friday 29 November.

We appreciate that the current appearance may be upsetting to some visitors, but the starkness is temporary and will regenerate new growth as a result of the Habitat Restoration work.

Use this link for a very informative feature on the Habitat Restoration work at Snaresbrook: https://storymaps.com/stories/d9e26c5311be40868f06a674588aee0f

25th October 2024. Further update on dates for the work to start.

OWL has been informed that the work will start on Monday, 28th October and last for 6 weeks.

17th October 2024. Update on dates for the Habitat Restoration work to start.

OWL has heard that there has been a delay in starting the work and they now plan to start in late October/early November.

2nd September 2024. Text of email to OWL from Epping Forest City of London, updating previous information

The works are looking to start mid September.  The contractors are at another site prior to starting at Leyton Flats so we’re unable to share a precise start date until this has been completed.
 
Once started, they will be on site for circa 4 weeks starting east of the car park towards Eagle pond.  So there is potential for you to continue on the other side in the first few weeks but unfortunately we’re unable to give exact dates / timescales of movement. (they are referring to OWL’s litterpicks continuing)
 
Areas where there will temporarily be no access due to the works will be taped off with signage in place, so it should be clear to the group where they can go safely. 
 
Thank you so much for the fantastic work from yourself and the volunteers at OWL, please do get in touch if there’s anything we can support on.

19th August 2024. Here is the text of an email received by OWL from the Epping Forest City of London Corporation. The hyperlink at the end of their text links to a document where pages 46 and 47 describe the work that is proposed.

“I am writing to give you advance notice about the forthcoming conservation works to be undertaken by the City of London Corporation, Epping Forest, scheduled to commence from mid September 2024.  We will be undertaking conservation work at Leyton Flats to:
 
Restore the ancient acid grassland. This habitat has declined across the UK leaving less than 30,000ha. Removing holly and trees that have encroached will help key grassland plant species and the wildlife they support.
 
Regenerate select areas where competitive grasses have proliferated, removing them to expose the seedbank encouraging species such as Heather, less common grass and rushes species to return.
 
Reveal the veteran oak trees between Hollow Pond and Eagle Pond by thinning the holly and scrub understory. The increased light levels will help them live longer while encouraging forest floor plants to re-establish. We will also create new pollards ready to become veteran trees of the future.
 
Are (= Our?!) key messaging to local residents and forest users is to:
  • Be aware that this work will necessitate the presence of vehicles and machinery. Please follow all posted signs and instructions during the work period to keep everyone safe.
  • Be prepared that this important habitat restoration work may initially look severe and be reassured that it will deliver long-term benefits.
  • Be gentle afterwards, avoid disturbing the bare ground to allow forest floor and grassland plants to regrow.
     
For further information about this project please visit our Habitat Restoration Programme – City of London webpage.”

 

 

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