Epping Forest contains the largest collection of ancient pollard trees in the UK, some dating back to the 12th century.
The forest was saved from development by the Epping Forest Act 1878, which remains the legal basis for its preservation.
It is one of the last remaining fragments of the ancient Waltham Forest that once covered much of Essex.
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge was built in 1543 for Henry VIII to view the deer hunt.
The forest is a critical refuge for the stag beetle, which is currently a protected species in the UK.
A series of Iron Age earthworks, including Ambresbury Banks and Loughton Camp, are hidden within the woodland canopy.
Many of the forest's ponds are the result of historic gravel extraction rather than natural formation.
The forest is officially maintained by the City of London Corporation despite being located outside the City's primary jurisdiction.
Epping Forest is an expansive 2,400-hectare ancient woodland straddling the border between Greater London and Essex. Originally a royal forest used by monarchs for hunting, it is now managed by the City of London Corporation. The landscape comprises a mosaic of ancient pollarded trees, wood pasture, grassland, and bog habitats. It contains over 50,000 ancient trees, some of which exceed 1,000 years in age. The forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation due to its rare invertebrate populations and beech woodland. Several visitor centres, including The View and Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, provide historical and ecological context. The forest remains largely unenclosed, offering thousands of miles of public trails for walking, cycling, and equestrian use. It is a critical habitat for stag beetles and diverse bird species.
The elevated view from the historic Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge overlooking the forest canopy.
Download the official offline maps, as cell reception can be inconsistent in dense woodland areas.
Check the City of London website for specific 'cattle grazing' zones where dogs must be kept on leads.
Focus on the northern areas for quieter, less congested trails compared to the proximity of the southern visitor centres.
Venturing deep into the forest during high winds, as the ancient trees are prone to shedding branches; attempting to navigate without a map.
Visitor centres may close on specific weekdays; check the official portal for seasonal shifts in site accessibility.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; keep dogs under control, especially near grazing cattle; do not pick fungi or wildflowers.
