So close to the capital city you can reach it on the central line, Epping Forest has been an essential part of our lives for thousands of years, its streams providing us with clean water, its lush vegetation and plentiful wildlife serving to sustain us.

Even now, with our hunter-gatherer days long behind us, the forest is a huge part of Londoners’ lives, with an estimated 4.2million annual visits.

However, it is evident that our great forest is no longer as valued by the British public as it once was.

Today, in a world where technology dominates our lives, it is imperative that we take care of green spaces. Epping Forest is a vital resource, its huge number of visits each year testament to that, and yet a huge 10% of the budget for the forest has to be spent on removing litter and fly tipping, as opposed to conservation.

As a result, Epping Forest management holds no prisoners when it comes to waste dumped in the forest. Every incident is investigated, and where possible, traced back to the household or business the waste came from.

Jacqueline Eggleston, Head of Visitor Services, reminds us that: “You should always make sure that the people disposing of your building materials are certified, as it is the owner of the household we trace the rubbish back to that is prosecuted for fly tipping. You are responsible for where your waste ends up.”

This only serves as a reminder that, if we are to continue enjoying the benefits of the forest, it is vital that we protect it. Just making sure that you and those around you dispose of your rubbish properly could play a key part in preserving Epping Forest for generations to come.

Amelie Ashton, Debden Park High School