After their walk in celebration of Epping Forest, Dr Neil Hudson (MP for Epping Forest) congratulated his fellow walkers on their achievement and for their support of the Forest which remains so vital for both local people and visitors.
Giving a speech to attendees at the finish line, Dr Hudson, invited to be a Champion of the Forest by the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, praised Epping Forest Big Walk 2024 which is the biggest annual event championing Epping Forest. About 130 people attended to traverse the rare surviving pieces of ancient woodland and celebrate its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage.
From the physical and mental health benefits of getting out and about in nature, to keeping our air clean and supporting climate recovery - Dr Hudson was keen to impress upon attendees just how beneficial Epping Forest is and therefore how our collective support of the area is so critical.
Previously known as 'The Centenary Walk', it was first established in 1978 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Epping Forest Act in 1878 which brought together legal protections for public use and for the conservation of the important environment.
Starting at Wanstead Flats, walkers headed north where they stopped in Chingford for lunch, before reaching their final destination at Bell Common in Epping which is part of Dr Hudson's constituency.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
"You could feel the community spirit fizzing through the air as we all trekked along the route sharing stories of Epping Forest and our love for this brilliant asset.
"Having championed the social, health and ecological benefits of natural spaces since being elected to Parliament, it was tremendous to see first-hand that my efforts have not been misplaced.
"I cannot thank everyone enough for such a stellar event. Epping Forest Heritage Trust, the City of London, all the hard-working volunteers and our local constables worked brilliantly together and so I must pay tribute to them and the work they do year round to help Epping Forest thrive.
“From the physical and mental health benefits of getting out and about in nature, celebrating our biodiversity and local flora and fauna, to keeping our air clean and supporting climate recovery - I pay tribute to everyone who looks after this treasured space.”
Peter Lewis, Chief Executive of Epping Forest Heritage Trust, added:
“We were delighted that 130 people from across London and Essex joined us to walk the full 14 miles of the wonderful ancient Epping Forest – from Manor Park in Newham all the way up to Epping in Essex. Walkers learned about the Forest along the way, helping to build the community of people of care and love the Forest, so that we can make sure it is protected for generations to come.”
