sheer size set apart from the other oaks in Lords Bushes. I can find no written evidence
as to the origin of the name 'Pulpit Oak' but it seems likely that the tree could be what is
popularly known as a 'Gospel Oak', where the gospel was read at the Rogation-tide
perambulation and the parish bounds beaten (31). Although not precisely on the
boundary, the Pulpit Oak in bordering Monkhams Lane is situated near what was
anciently the boundary of the parish of Chigwell, which was probably of Saxon origin.
Interestingly, Monkhams Lane is still an important boundary: that of Epping
Forest District Council and it is also concurrent with part of the modern Essex County
boundary. Another oak tree known in the 19th century as the 'Poachers Pocket' is also
recorded for Lords Bushes but I have been unable to find this tree. (62).
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
This tree much favoured by the commoners for pollarding is indeed to be found
commonly as a pollard in Lords Bushes, though because of the characteristic contorted
appearance it assumes on pollarding, it was the target of the early Conservators who
considered them not to be very aesthetically pleasing (6) and consequently many were
felled (Plate 8). A number were felled after the drought of 1976, though presumably
because it is rather deeper-rooted it did not suffer to the same extent as the beech.
Aspen (Populus tremula)
Aspen is uncommon as a mature tree in Lords Bushes, occurring at just two points
on the edge of one of the footpaths in the undisturbed woodland. I have found a number
of saplings on the burnt and disturbed area, testament to the generally wet years after
1976. Its foliage is not liked by livestock, hence its survival in wood-pasture (59).
Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Holly, in the undisturbed woodland of Lords Bushes as in much of Epping Forest,
dominates the understorey tolerating the deep shade cast by beech trees. This feature
seems to be characteristic of derelict wood-pasture and is probably caused by lack of
browsing (58).
Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
This shrub is generally considered to be a species indicating a long established
woodland (59). It is not common, but it does occur in the vicinity of the wild service in
the S.E. corner of Lords Bushes. This species has a distinctive leaf shape and the
presence of two seeds in the berry identifies midland hawthorn though there appears
also to be much hybridisation with the common hawthorn.
Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Maple occurs mainly as a standard in Lords Bushes, though one tree has been
coppiced. Interestingly this species is confined to the London Clay in Lords Bushes (see
map 4(a)).
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
Again occurring mainly as a standard (there is one tree on the Forest Edge side of
Lords Bushes which has been coppiced). All specimens of this tree are the native
glabrous sub-species sylvestris, most of the trees are rather tall and spindly; probably it
is another species that is being forced to compete with the excessive overshading of the
beech trees (see map 4 (b)).
Ivy (Hedera helix)
Although in reality a woody climber. I have treated this species as a 'shrub'; it is
generally infrequent in Lords Bushes though along the Knighton Lane edge of the
undisturbed woodland, beneath a stand of sycamore, and by the pond P2 this species
32