Follow the Forest

Shaun Badham & James Ravinet

A free-guided walk from Highams Park to Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.

The Boathouse

Join a free guided-walk in Epping Forest this summer from Highams Park to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge in Chingford. ‘Follow the Forest’ is a new project initiated by artists Shaun C. Badham and James Ravinet exploring the unique ecology, land rights and history of Epping Forest. The project draws inspiration from the organised protest and lobbying that led to the historic enactment of the Epping Forest Act 1878, and the many residents, community groups and organisations that have succeeded in protecting the vitality of the forest environment ever since. With its protection from enclosures and development of the land enshrined in law, the undulating forest is a rich ecosystem of wildlife and heritage that provides respite, meaning and exploration for residents and visitors alike. During our walk, we will follow the forest to explore and observe the natural environment, registering the layering of social histories, governance and ecologies that converge along the way. From the work of volunteer groups to conserve and increase the biodiversity of the forest, to the history of the victorian temperance movement that saw the woodland as a site of retreat or refuge. The walk will include contributions from The Highams Park Planning Group (HPPG), Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT) and Chingford Historical Society, who will each provide us with an insight into their work and knowledge around Epping Forest. About the route: A 2-mile route from Highams Park to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge traversing the open woodland and pastures of Epping Forest. Beginning at Highams Park Lake, this short yet abundant forest walk takes us via the meandering flow of the River Ching, onwards to Hatch Forest and Whitehall Plain, past the historic boundary lines between Essex/London and towards the ancient trees of Barn Hoppit. We will conclude our walk at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre by the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge in Chingford. What to bring: Our path will be uneven and potentially wet, so please bring appropriate footwear and clothing for your own safety and comfort. We also recommend you bring your own liquids and snacks to keep hydrated and nourished throughout. Please note, toilets can be found at the beginning of the walk at Humphreys Cafe and at our end point at The View Visitor Centre. There are no toilets available during the main stretch of the walk. Starting Point: Meet at The Boathouse (IG8 9RE) viewing platform by the entrance to Highams Park Lake (gate no 196). Free parking on The Charter Road and nearest train-station: Higham Park Station (0.6 miles, approx 15 minutes walk). Nearest bus stops are on Mill Lane (T) and Chingford Lane (C) for bus services 179, 20, 275, W15 and N55.What3words location: ///rent.fence.vibes End Point: Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Chingford (E4 7QH) Nearest train-station: Chingford Station (0.4 miles, approx 9 minutes walk)What3words location: ///costs.follow.snack. Where possible, we strongly encourage the use of public transport for travel to and from the event. We also encourage the use of independent, local businesses in the area of Highams Park and Chingford. If you have any specific access requirements or questions prior to this event, please email either shauncbadham@gmail.com or <a href="mailto:jamesravinet@googlemail.com" title="mailto:jamesravinet@googlemail.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">jamesravinet@googlemail.com</a>. If you are unable to attend this event, please let us know at the earliest convenience so we reassign your ticket.As part of this project, an audio-guide format and map of this walk will be made publicly available later in 2024. Follow the Forest is made possible by Waltham Forest Council’s Make It Happen grants programme. Epping Forest is owned and managed by the Conservators of Epping Forest, City of London Corporation. For more information please visit <a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest" title="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest</a> About the Contributors:For more information please visit <a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest" title="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforest</a>Gordon Turpin is a the chair of <a href="https://highamsparkplan.org/" title="https://highamsparkplan.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Highams Park Planning Group</a> (HPPG) which is a community group with around 1200 members who are involved in many different activities around the Highams Park Area; including creating a neighbourhood Plan,rRefurbishment of the derelict building in The Highams Park, Ongoing conservation works at Highams Park Lake and much more. Robyn Lammiman is a member of <a href="https://efht.org.uk/" title="https://efht.org.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Epping Forest Heritage Trust</a> which was established in April 12, 2018 from the merger of the Friends of Epping Forest (established in 1969) with the Epping Forest Centenary Trust (established in 1978), the Centenary of the Epping Forest Act 1878. Whilst we are a new charity in name, we have a long history working for the Forest and its communities. They help to increase the biodiversity of the Forest through hands-on conservation work, campaigns to raise awareness of the Forest and advocate at planning enquiries to ensure it does not suffer direct damage from more development, traffic or pollution. Gary Stone is a member of <a href="https://www.chingfordhistory.org.uk/" title="https://www.chingfordhistory.org.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Chingford Historical Society</a> which was established over 70 years ago and is governed by a committee elected by its members at Annual General Meetings. They organise meetings each month, visits to places of historical interest and publish a bi-annual newsletter. Local history research is carried out and books and newsletters about Chingford's past are on sale. <a href="https://shauncbadham.com/" title="https://shauncbadham.com/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Shaun C. Badham</a> is an artist born and lives in Essex, who responds to the socio-political, historical and human attributes of a given site, instigating long-term collaborative projects that are realised across different mediums, from local community actions to large-scale sculptural installations. Notable projects include, I’M STAYING (2014 to 2021), MORNING (2014 to 2018) and PLOT (2018 to 2021). With a research led practice and an emphasise on process, moments of public activity tend to facilitate investigation and dialogue surrounding the project, whether that’s via an exhibition, sculpture, group walk, a book or a workshop. <a href="https://jamesravinet.info/" title="https://jamesravinet.info/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">James Ravinet</a> is an artist and curator based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, working across video, sound, and research-led projects. His practice is concerned with the politics of landscape, considering how access, extraction and history can be disrupted to generate or centre new perspectives. Recent projects include 'Marking the Land' with collaborator Shaun C Badham; a project that considers the radical nature of walking in enacting the permanence of public rights of way through our literal, physical trace in the landscape, focusing on a small section of the Essex Way.

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Follow the Forest

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Follow the Forest

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