Epping forest/Oxleas woods case study

• Epping Forest


  • Ancient, deciduous woodland to the northeast of London
  • Approximately 19 kilometres (12 miles) long from north to south but no more than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from east to west at its widest point
  • Managed for over 1000 years, has been used for hunting and timber resources
  • Recreation is the leading role of the forest now
• Epping Forest is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning it is a protected environment
• Epping Forest ecosystem components


  • Wide variety of native tree species that include beech, elm, oak and ash
  • Shrub layer consisting of hazel and holly, along with grasses, brambles, fern, bracken and flowering plants
  • 177 species of lichen and moss
  • Many primary consumers, including insects and small mammals, and deer, along with 38 species of birds
  • Secondary consumers such as owls, adders and foxes
  • 700 species of fungi, important decomposers, which are common due to a large amount of deadwood
  • Over 100 lakes and ponds provide essential habitats for numerous fauna species (animals) and flora (plants)
• Due to its careful management, Epping Forest has a complex food web composed of thousands of species
• Sustainable Management of Epping Forest


  1. Recreation is controlled within the forest, including having designated car parking areas, a visitor centre, provision of rubbish bins and leaflets on how to use the forest to protect the environment

  2. Paths for walking and riding are open to public use

  3. There are currently nine Forest Keepers, three Senior Forest Keepers, and one Head Keeper employed to protect the forest environment

  4. Along the roads, vegetation is cut back so that deer are aware of traffic and reduce the risk of motor vehicle collisions

  5. Cattle have been reintroduced in some areas as grazing supports the growth of some flora

  6. Epping forest conservation volunteers undertake tasks every Sunday to support the biodiversity of the forest. Duties include cutting back vegetation, rubbish and scrub clearance, removing silt and maintaining ponds and bogs
• Ecosystems on a larger, global scale are known as biomes