THE MANAGEMENT OF EPPING FOREST.
79
[Copy.]
To the Chairman of the Epping Forest Committee.
November 1st 1895.
Sir,—We have, again, very carefully inspected those portions of Epping
Forest upon which we had previously reported, and we have examined the work
which has been carried out since the issue of that Report, with the view of seeing
whether it was in accordance with the spirit of our recommendations.
We beg to make the following remarks :—
Epping Thicks.—This was the first point visited. We were struck with the
beauty of the outline which has been obtained by judicious cuttings on the fringe
of the Wood. We consider that the work done throughout this Wood has
been good.
Thames Valley (Theydon Bois).—This is an unsightly and monotonous
portion of the Forest, owing to the number of gaunt Pollard Hornbeams. We
consider that this would admit of further clearing, and that portions might be
advantageously thinned out in large patches and sown with Oak, Beech, and
other trees. As these grow up, further areas might be taken in hand in the
same manner.
Theydon Coppice.—We have made one or two suggestions here to the Superin-
tendent of the Forest with the view of opening out Glades. There are a number
of young trees coming up through the Coppice which are in danger of being
choked. These should be carefully preserved by cutting out such portions of
the Coppice as are a source of danger to them. This course will enable this
portion of the Forest to assume once more that natural aspect which the
treatment of former years, when pollarding and coppicing were allowed, has
obliterated.
Back of Riggs' Retreat (Theydon Bois).—The thinning here has been
moderate. We have pointed out to the Superintendent places where further
action is necessary, with a view to improving the condition of some of the
finer trees.
Theydon High Wood.—In the Northern portion of this Wood, which consists
of Beech trees, there is—as a matter of consequence—no underwood.
We consider that the policy to pursue in this portion is to mark those trees
which are most worthy of preservation, and gradually to free them from any
worse trees which may be injuring them. By laying down a definite line of
action in this way there will be continuity of policy independent of changes of
officials.
The Southern portion of the Wood may, we consider, be left alone for
some years to come.
Broadstrood (Loughton).—We have made some suggestions with a view to
improving the outline.
Woodridden Hill.—We have no objection to offer to what has been done here.
Verderers' Ride (High Beech to Woodridden).—We are of opinion that the
glades which have been opened out here might have been bolder and less
close together.
We have made some suggestions to the Superintendent with a view to
improving these.
Clay Road, Loughton.—We consider that the breaking up of the straight
line has been judiciously effected, and that the result is a great improvement
on the previous state of things. The thinning has, nowhere, been excessive.