The Forest
Epping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area, measuring 19km x 4km, two-thirds of which is wooded and the same proportion designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. (Map of Greater London)
In the second half of the 19th century, large areas of the Forest were being
enclosed for development, with scant regard for commoners’ rights or general
recreational needs. The Corporation of London fought a legal battle against the
enclosures that culminated in two ground-breaking Acts of Parliament passed in
1878. One of these entrusted the ownership and care of Epping Forest to the Corporation,
with the second making similar provision for other open spaces under similar threat.
The forest is used by many people for various activities as well as cycling including horse riding (there are a number of stables in the area), The Scouts at Gilwell Park, fishing, orienteering, running, walking the dog and a few others you occasionally come across as you cycle by.
