57
AN ADDITION TO EPPING FOREST.
For years past one drawback to the perfect enjoyment of a ramble
in Epping Forest in the beautiful Theydon Woods has been the
intrusion of an auctioneer's repulsive notice-board amid the greenery
bordering the road leading from the "Wake Arms" to Theydon,
constantly reminding us of the fact that "Oakhills" was private
property, and liable at any moment to become the prey of the "jerry
builder," as the site for a series of "eligible modern villas." Many
an ardent wish has been expressed that it might be rescued from the
clutch of the spoiler, and added to the forest. It was not the size of
the plot of land which rendered its acquisition so desirable, for its
extent is but little over twelve acres, but its position with respect to
the surrounding woodlands, and the fact that it was covered with
a fine growth of young trees, invested "Oakhills" with a peculiar
interest in the eyes of well-wishers of the forest, who could not con-
template its probable destruction without a pang. . On more than
one occasion the attention of the Club has been called to this matter,
and so recently as the Ordinary Meeting in November last a notice
to the following effect was placed on the agenda paper :—
" Previous to the ordinary business of the meeting, Mr. W. Cole will again call
the attention of the Club to the great injury that would be occasioned to Epping
Forest if the piece of land lying off the Theydon Road, known as 'Oak Hill
Enclosure,' were built upon. It is now up for sale. In the 'Journal of Pro-
ceedings' for 1882 (vol. iii, p. xi.) the Editor pointed out the great importance of
this piece of land to the well-being and quietude of the woodlands surrounding it.
It is most sincerely to be hoped for that some means may be found by which this
nook could be added to the forest. Mr. Cole will propose that the Club do take
some action in the matter."
Owing to a private intimation that this matter was occupying the
attention of those competent to deal with it, and that any public
agitation would possibly do injury, the proposal was not brought
forward. It is now evident that the negotiations were in willing and
capable hands, and all our readers will hail with the greatest satis-
faction the announcement that, thanks to the generosity of two of
the Verderers, this charming piece of woodland has been added
permanently to the forest.
At a dinner given by the Epping Forest Committee on Monday,
May 6th, the Lord Mayor read, amid great cheering, the following
letter.