Enjoying a couple of hours outdoors can have an extremely positive impact on both mental and physical health. In Highams Park we are extremely lucky to have Epping Forest just on our doorstep. But how does this help build a community and improve the lives of so many people in the area? And how has this joy been sustained throughout history? 

 

Through the Covid lockdown, the importance of having opportunities to escape being trapped indoors became clear. Many became attached to their couple of hours spent wandering through the forest’s sensational beauty. A community was created as people crossed pathways on a regular basis possibly stopping for a distanced chat or just a smile and nod. Either way, the forest became essential to finding some escapism. 

 

Helen Hardy exercised in the forest every day throughout the lockdown. She says “I discovered the forest properly for the first time during lockdown. I walked in it every day and truly appreciated its beauty - it was a great place to escape from the day to day reality of lockdown.” 

 

However, it is not only in lockdown that these beauty spots became prominent aspects of our lives. Epping Forest was established in the 17th century however prior to that it was Waltham Forest and became declared officially a hunting forest by Henry II in the 12th century. 

 

For centuries the royals used the forest as a spot for hunting. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn would ride together in Epping Forest and Henry VIII was even riding in the forest while Anne Boleyn was being executed in 1536! Queen Elizabeth I also had Henry VIII’s hunting lodge in Chingford renovated which was used for hunting in Epping Forest.  

 

The tranquillity of the forest gives a unique opportunity to escape the urbanisation of the city and get lost in the beauty of nature. It was entrusted to the City of London under the Epping Forest Act of 1878 which also prevented locals known as “loppers” from freely taking wood from the forest as well as banning enclosure on Epping Forest land. When passing the Act, Queen Victoria dedicated the forest to the “enjoyment of the people.” 

 

Despite all the change the country has undergone through history, the forest has remained a place of enjoyment. It’s provided endless benefits for generations and will for many to come. The consistency of the forest provides a sense of comfort through difficult times which has been evidenced from everything from Henry VIII’s trial of Anne Boleyn to the escapism during lockdown. 

 

So why not get outside and explore the benefits of a local beauty spot?