Epping Forest has retained its prestigious Green Flag Award status, recognising it as one of the very best managed open spaces in the world.
The international award, now into its third decade, rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard across the UK and globally.
The site has also received a Green Heritage Award in recognition of its historic features and the high standard of conservation.
It has won both the Green Flag Award and Green Heritage Award since 2003.
Epping Forest is London and Essex’s largest green space and has been owned and managed by the City of London Corporation since 1878.
It is home to Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, a unique example of a surviving timber-framed hunt standing, built on the orders of Henry VIII in 1543.
The woodland has over one million trees, some of which are up to 1,000 years old – including 50,000 ancient pollards of Beech, Hornbeam and Oak.
There are around 500 rare and endangered plant, fungi and insect species in the Forest.
Epping Forest joins 14 other sites managed by the City of London Corporation which have also retained the Green Flag status and 12 other sites which have received the green heritage accreditation.
The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run every year by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and overseen by a panel of experts who judge green spaces for their top facilities and excellence in management.
Graeme Doshi-Smith, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, said:
“This year Epping Forest has arguably been more important than ever before.
“It has been a lifeline during the coronavirus pandemic, helping people get exercise and fresh air and benefitting both mental and physical health.
“The Forest is treasured by its local communities and international visitors alike.
“I would like to thank our staff and volunteers for the excellent job they do in maintaining the site to such a high standard, keeping it accessible for all and giving people the opportunity to explore the natural world.”
The City Corporation protects 11,000 acres of green space in the capital, including Hampstead Heath and West Ham Park.
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