Epping Forest
Epping Forest forms a direct green link between London and rural Essex and lends its name to a market town and surrounding district that never fails to surprise and delight visitors who discover its many attractions. And all just a walk, ride or tube journey away from the Capital.
About the Forest
As one of the earliest publicly accessible and protected landscapes in England, Epping Forest pre-dates the UK’s National Parks by nearly 80 years. Entrusted to the City of London as Conservators by the Epping Forest Act of 1878, to maintain its natural aspect, the Forest was dedicated by Queen Victoria ‘for the enjoyment of my people forever’.
Much of the Forest is of national and international conservation importance with two-thirds of it being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These designations are due to its large numbers of ancient trees which support a wealth of wildlife, including wood-boring beetles and fungi, its ancient grasslands and heaths, as well as its many freshwater ponds.
Epping Forest is home to 55,000 ancient trees, more than any other single site in the country. Some are centuries old and may have been growing there since Anglo-Saxon times, representing some of the oldest living plants in Europe – irreplaceable and rare.
Ghosts of Epping Forest
The haunted history of Epping Forest is notorious, so much so, Most Haunted carried out a live show here in 2003, hoping to locate the ghost of Dick Turpin, whom they believe came into contact with them.
Due to its reputation as one of the most haunted forests in England, ghost hunts are regular throughout the year. As well as the ghost of Turpin, there are numerous other sightings and experiences that have occurred at Epping throughout the years.
The ghost of Boudica (Queen of the British Iceni tribe – AD60) is believed to haunt the forest. Poltergeist activity is also a regular occurrence, with people reporting being pushed or touched by unseen hands.
Apparitions have been known to show themselves also. On one occasion, a man was spotted wearing a tricorn hat and cape on a black horse.
At the Wake Arms round-about, the headless apparition of a biker and a horse-drawn coach has been seen in the dead of night.
A troubled spirit is said to run out in front of vehicles, staring into the driver’s eyes before disappearing right before them.
The ghost of a young girl who reportedly drowned near the Kings Oak Pub has been seen, as well as a headless horseman.
Hangman‘s Hill