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THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
Spring Ramble in Epping Forest, and 115th Ordinary Meeting,
Saturday, May 17th, 1890.
In connection with the Ordinary Meeting on the above date, the customary
Spring Forest Ramble took place. The members assembled at Theydon Bois
station about 3 o'clock, and a ramble was taken over Piercing Hill, and so on to
Ambresbury Banks, Prof. Boulger acting as Botanical Referee. Here Mr.
Andrew Johnston made, on behalf of Mr. E. N. Buxton, the following inter-
esting announcement respecting Epping Forest:—
" The two Verderers by whose liberality the enclosure known as Oak Hill,
Theydon, was recently added to the Forest, are following up with a proposal for
an addition both of greater extent and of far greater value. Those who are
familiar with the Forest know that it consists of a strip of land extending from
Forest Gate to Epping without interruption except at one point, where the
mass of Higham Park cuts off the picturesque glade below Mill Plain, Wal-
thamstow, from the wide open space between Woodford Green Board Schools
and Chingford Hatch. The only connection between the two is the narrow
bridle path, green perhaps in summer, but yellow wet clay in winter, known as
'The Sale.' An opportunity has now offered for extending this avenue to an
average width of about 150 yards, including the pretty timbered wilderness
along the Ching brook, a fine piece of water, and a path passable dryshod at all
times of the year. The whole comprises about 271/2 acres, at present forming the
western side of Higham Park. An independent valuation of £6,000 has been
made, at which price Mr. T. C. Warner is willing to part with so much of the
Park, and the only question is whether the money can be got. It is hoped that
if £3,000 can be raised in other ways, an equal sum will be contributed by the
Corporation of London from the Capital Fund under the Epping Forest Act,
1878. Of the £3,000 to be raised locally £1,800 is offered by the two Verderers
above referred to and a relative. It is hoped that the great advantages offered
to the growing population in the neighbourhood, in the way of extended walks
and bathing facilities, will induce the local public authorities to vote a subsidy in
the same way as the Local Board of East Ham have decided to contribute to
the purchase money of North Woolwich Gardens. There would still remain
several hundreds to be privately raised, and it is suggested that a strong commit-
tee be formed with this object. There ought to be no difficulty. Immense sums
have been raised for buildings which are very useful now, but which altered
conditions may render useless in the future. But an open space once dedicated
to the public must remain a joy for ever so long as there is any public left to
enjoy it."
The members present expressed the pleasure which this announcement gave
them, and it was suggested that the Club should do all in its power to aid in so
desirable an improvement to the Forest.
[The renewed generosity of Sir Fowell Buxton and Mr. E. N, Buxton has
given great pleasure to a vast number of friends of the Forest, and the proposal
to complete the sum necessary to complete the purchase has been warmly received.
A committee has been formed, which is now actively at work, and great hope is
felt that the scheme will be successful. It is yet too early to report progress, but
a summary of the proceedings will be given in a future part of the Essex
Naturalist.]
The pleasant forest land bordering the Theydon road was traversed, and Oak