Guided Walk: Discover Trees in Epping Forest - Part of Urban Tree Festival

Join ecologist, EFHT Trustee, and nature recovery lead for the Greater London Authority, Francis Castro, for an informative circular stroll around this wonderful part of Epping Forest, Highams Park Lake, exploring its special trees and nature. You will learn about the vital role trees play (both old and young) and their contribution with other wildlife habitats, to form the Forest ecosystem, we see today. You will also gain insight into the ongoing conservation work, taking place across Epping Forest, which are contributing towards national nature recovery targets.

This event is part of the Highams Park Spring Festival, and part of Urban Tree Festival.

About Francis Castro:

Francis is an Ecologist and Local Authority Officer of over 19 years’ experience. He is a veteran of conservation and environmental policy in London and since 2023, works as a Biodiversity specialist at the Greater London Authority, overseeing preparation of the London Natural Recovery Strategy (LNRS). He is also a Trustee of Epping Forest Heritage Trust.

Previously he worked for the London Borough of Redbridge and Vision RCL for over 17 years, as the Nature Conservation Ranger Team Leader. In this role he managed a team of Rangers delivering a wide range of projects, community engagement, volunteering opportunities and grounds maintenance to the wildlife sites of the Borough, he also provided specialist ecological support to the Local Authorities planning, highways, regeneration and community engagement teams. Key projects include the successful preparation and application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for the Hainault Forest restoration works.

Highams Park Spring Festival

This event is part of the Higham Park Spring Festival 2025, an annual celebration organised by Friends of Highams Park / Highams Park Planning Group, including family-friendly activities and showcasing local organisations. Find out more: https://highamspark.london/events/2025-05-18/

Urban Tree Festival

This event is part of the annual Urban Tree Festival, a UK wide celebration of trees and nature in our cities, towns, suburbs and urban landscapes. The festival takes place from the 10-18th May 2025. You can find out more by visiting: www.urbantreefestival.org