Uses of temperate deciduous woodlands- Epping Forest, Essex

Facts:

· The forest is north-east of London

· It covers 2,500 ha of land

· 70% of the area is deciduous woodland, but there is some grassland and marshes

· It’s home to a rich variety of wildlife

Early uses

· Since Norman times, the forest has been used to graze animals and collect firewood

· It’s also been used for hunting deer

Early Management

· ‘Pollarding’ was used to manage the woods- the trees were cut at shoulder height for firewood, but they were still able to reshoot and grow back again

· In the 19th century, people tried to buy parts of the forest

· In 1878 the Epping Forest act meant that the forest should be ‘kept unbuilt on and as an open space for recreation’

Recent management

· 1,600 ha of the forest has been designated a Site of Special Scientific interest, and also a European Special Area of Conservation

· This means there are laws to protect the ancient trees, which support the ecosystem of flora and fauna

· Recreation is managed by providing car parks, toilets and refreshments for visitors

· Easy access parks allow for people with disabilities to visit

· Old trees are allowed to die naturally unless they are dangerous

· Re-pollarding ancient trees

· Some activities like cycling are restricted to reduce soil erosion

· Ancient earthworks are preserved

· Fallow deer, which have always lived in the forest, are protected

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AQA GCSE Physical Geography The Living World Uses of a temperate deciduous woodland case study Epping Forest, Essex, UK