Epping Forest Heritage Trust

The Epping Forest Heritage Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, founded in 2018 through the merger of the Friends of Epping Forest and the Epping Forest Centenary Trust. The trust operates with the mission of conserving Epping Forest, promoting its biodiversity, heritage, and culture, and inspiring people to responsibly enjoy and protect it for future generations.

Mission and Activities

The trust's mission is to ensure Epping Forest remains a thriving space rich in biodiversity, heritage, and culture. To achieve this, it focuses on three strategic objectives:

1. Educating and Inspiring: The trust organizes guided walks, talk series, and other educational programs to raise awareness about the forest's importance and encourage public involvement in its conservation[1][5].
2. Hands-on Conservation: It engages in practical conservation activities to protect and enhance the forest's biodiversity. This includes conducting hands-on conservation work, such as tree planting and wildlife conservation efforts, which are open to volunteers[1][4].
3. Research and Advocacy: The trust advocates for the forest's protection through research and involvement in public policy discussions related to planning and sustainable development[1][3].

Structure and Operations

• Charity Status: Registered charity number 275076 and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales 1339783[2][3].
• Volunteer Base: The trust has a strong volunteer base, with over 200 volunteers involved in various activities, including operating the Epping Forest Visitor Centre at High Beach on behalf of the City of London Corporation[3][4].
• Financial Overview: In the financial year ending March 2024, the trust reported a total income of £95,771 and total expenditure of £235,760[3].

Aims and Future Plans

The Epping Forest Heritage Trust aims to ensure that Epping Forest continues to be accessible and enjoyable for diverse communities. It seeks to increase biodiversity and promote the forest's value for health, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability[4]. The trust aims to use reports on the natural value of the forest as a basis for increasing its biodiversity and welcoming new visitors[4].

[1] https://efht.org.uk [2] https://efht.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/275076/charity-overview [4] https://locality.org.uk/case-studies/eppingforestheritagetrust [5] https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/support-and-community-services-your-area/epping-forest-heritage-trust