Conservation Volunteering Days: Building Leaky Dams in Epping Forest

Who is this for?

• Always been interested in nature and would like to have a go at practical habitat management activities?
• Would you like a taste of what hands-on conservation work is like?
• Love the outdoors and would like to improve your health and well-being in this ancient Forest and its historic features?

This is the day for you!

We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life to join us! The sessions will be led by our Conservation Officer with full approval and support from the City of London Corporation.

Tools and training will be provided on the day.

Photo: A leaky dam in Epping Forest

What is a Leaky Dam and why they are needed in Epping Forest?

Leaky Dams are made of natural woody materials, laid in streams and ditches, as a way of natural flood management to intercept, slow and divert flood waters. This is part of the City of London Corporation's Leaky Dam Project, which aims to deliver additional benefits to flood mitigation. For example, storing water in the landscape can limit the effect of drought and heat stress on trees and vegetation, also reducing the risk of wildfire. Leaky dams can also increase resilience and biodiversity by protecting tree root systems from heavy rainfall and creating new microhabitats, such as temporary water pools and wet grassland.

What to bring on the day?

• Weather-proof clothing that you don't mind getting dirty
• Sturdy & weather-proof boots
• Snacks, water, and lunch

About Epping Forest Heritage Trust

We are a charity and a membership organisation with a big mission to inspire people about Epping Forest, and to conserve and protect its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage now and for generations to come. We run regular hands-on conservation sessions in Epping Forest every week, you can find out more here.

About City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation manages over 11,000 acres of open space in London and southeast England, including Epping Forest, Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches, and over 180 smaller sites in the Square Mile, investing over £38m a year. The City Corporation’s natural environments, most of which are charitable trusts, are run at little or no cost to the communities that they serve. They include important wildlife habitats, Special Areas of Conservation, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and National Nature Reserves, and are protected from being built on by special legislation. Visit: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest for more information.