Epping forest

Epping forest

1. Facts and figures

   • 2500 Ha
   • 19km long and 4km wide
   • 70% of it is deciduous forest
   • There is some grasslands and marshes
   • Mostly Beech trees

2. Uses

   • Used for hunting deer
   • It was used to let people allow their animals to graze
   • After 1878 no one could buy or build on any of it
   • Over 60 football pitches for hire
   • Over 1600Ha is a site of special scientifc interest and is protected under european law-the special convsveration law
     • A SSSI is a place where the plants, animals, geography or geology is important and therefor need to be protected
     • A SCA is a place where the wildlife has been given special protection by the EU, this is important as it is part of global efforts to conserve the worlds species
   • 18 hole golf course
   • refreshments through out from teashops to pubs
   • Used by people and their animals
   • The national forest
     • Created in 1990
     • Over 7 million trees have been planted
     • Main use is to provide Britain with wood
       • Because 85% of wood is imported- this cost over £8 billion per year
       • Wood produced in Britain has increased from 4 million m^2 to 9 million m^2
       • Wood is used to create chippings and more mature trees are cut down for timber
       • Companys replant trees ensuring the forest is managed sustainably for the future
       • Improves economy of area

3. Managment

   • Pollarding- You cut the trees at shoulder, (above the reach of most animals) this allows the trees to grow back, this is sustainable
   • Is an excellent of a sustainably managed deciduous forest
   • Appropriate car parks, toilet and refreshment services
   • Maintaining footpaths
   • Controlling the some uses that could be destructive to the environment e.g mountain biking and hoarse riding
   • Preserving ancient buildings and earth works
   • Preserving ponds to prevent silting
   • Preserving the herd of hallow deer
   • Managed by the London council
   • 50 cows that are in small herds that graze

4. Threats

   • Deforesting can cause dip in tree population and desertification
   • Non biodegradable litter ruins the aesthetic of the forest and is dangerous to the wildlife