(note that The Epping Society have only just become aware of this, so have not had time to organise any local event but please do go on to the CPA website for full details) Standing Up for Nature: Why Now Is the Moment for Epping to Get Active Across the country, communities are rediscovering something powerful: when people come together to celebrate, protect and enjoy their green spaces, real change becomes possible. This spring, a growing national movement is urging residen

Some members might know that the Society contributes a column to The Epping Forest Guardian roughly every six weeks, providing updates and insights into our ongoing activities and initiatives. This regular column serves as an important communication channel, allowing us to keep the community informed about our efforts and to engage with our members and the public at large. Dr Neil Hudson addresses our AGM The column in this week's edition covered our Annual General Meeting (A

**Epping Forest and the Need for Sustainable Housing Choices** The ancient woodland of Epping Forest and its surrounding semi-rural landscapes are irreplaceable assets that define the character of our district. The Epping Society believes strongly that new housing must be delivered in a truly sustainable way that respects these special qualities, rather than through blanket targets that risk permanent damage to the area’s environment and community life. A recent Sky News inve

Dr Neil Hudson MP was guest speaker at The Epping Society AGM on Thursday 12th March, 2026 Epping MP Calls for Vigilance Over Green Belt, Youth Health and Local Services Around 60 members of The Epping Society gathered on 12 March for their Annual General Meeting to hear a wide‑ranging and heartfelt address from Dr Neil Hudson , MP for Epping Forest who was this year guest speaker. The meeting was opened by Epping Society Chairman, Christine Burt , who warmly welcomed memb

The Epping Society has launched a fresh new website at www.eppingsociety.org , making it easier than ever to connect with the community, support local heritage, and get involved. Whether you want to join as a member or simply donate, the site offers a quick and simple way to do so. Membership starts from just £5 a year, opening the door for everyone to contribute to preserving the unique character of Epping. Screenshot of our 'new look' website Why The Epping Society Matters

What is wrong with the new planning rules? The Government is proposing to revise the National Framework (NPPF) (again) which is used by Local Authorities (mostly District Councils) to help plan and manage housing developments across England. They have published a new Draft NPPF which can be found at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/697b71c52ff8d10a830d5d4a/Draft_NPPF_December_2025.pdf The Epping Society has quite a few concerns about these new rules – we think

This QR code can be used to register your objections. Alternatively details are below. The proposal to build over 80 new homes at Old Pastures in Epping threatens to disrupt the very fabric of this community. This development plan overlooks the long-term consequences for local residents, the environment, and the town’s infrastructure. It is not just about adding houses; it is about risking the quality of life for current and future generations. Impact on Local Infrastructure

The Epping Society are delighted to advise that we will be launching the 'Epping Town Trial' this Wed 4 Feb 1030am ; green outside Cuore Mat restaurant; just South of St John's church; all welcome! so please do join us. Here it is with both pages available to download at the bottom of this page as a pdf. Please feel free to download and print if needed.

Old Pastures. Historic Land up for destruction First of all we would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. As many of you will be aware yet another development is in the works and set to blight our landscape and community. We feel that Epping has be far done our bit towards any housing shortages and enough is enough. Furthermore there has not been enough scrutiny to establish vested interests among officials who are part of the decision making process. We would urge as

As the new year begins, many of us look for ways to start fresh, and enjoy the outdoors. The Epping Society offers a perfect opportunity to do all three with its annual New Year's Walk, led by Vice Chairman Roger Lowry. This event invites both members and non-members to explore the beautiful surroundings of Epping, meet new people, and celebrate the start of the year in a healthy and engaging way. Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, this walk promises a m

Land East of Epping – latest news, December 2025      Reminder - this is a proposed development on current Green Belt, good farmland; lying between Bower Hill, the Orchards and Stewards Green Road; generally known as Stewards Green Fields. It was not scheduled for development in the Local Plan.  Shown outlined in red : 1.Not long ago, the developers Pigeon applied to Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) for an exemption from carrying out a full-scale Environmental Assessment

All last week we have been posting short video clips on our Facebook Page which at the time of writing have gained over 13,000 Views. Previous to this, we posted a 13 second clip asking people what they thought of the new new festive lights on Epping High Street This went viral and has attracted a massive 38,880 Views so far and the overwhelming response has been positive so well done to all at Epping Council who were responsible. If you would like to vote for one of our 7 fi

Trevor's funeral on 9th December was well attended and The Epping Society would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Mr Robert's family and friends.

Last week, more than 70 people gathered for the Epping Society’s Mulled Wine and Mince Pie evening, an event that brought warmth and festive cheer to the community. The night was filled with lively conversations, shared ideas, and heartfelt compliments about the society’s work. It was a clear reminder of the strength and spirit that thrives within Epping. A Warm Welcome and Reflections on the Year The evening began with a warm welcome from Christine Burt, Chair of the Epping

Society Member on the Lindsey Street Green Planting a New tree On Wednesday 12th November, members of the Epping Society committee replaced the tree originally planted in memory of Janet Walton, a founder member of the Society. The first tree, planted in November 2009, had not survived and the committee installed a new rowan (Sorbus) in its place. The Society thanks the Tesco Community Fund and an anonymous donor for their generous support in enabling the replacement. If you

Epping Forest Heritage Trust: ‘A Thriving Forest for People and Nature’ Double Match Fund Appeal (2-9 th Dec)   Our friends at Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT) are running ‘ A Thriving Forest for People and Nature ’ as their Big Give Christmas Challenge between 2nd to 9th December, raising funds to ensure more people can come together to love and care for the Forest, helping to conserve it so both people and the Forest can thrive now and for generations to come.   Collabo

What’s Happening Around Epping? Major New Housing Proposals – What You Need to Know The Epping Society wants to make residents aware of several large developments being proposed around our town. Together, these could increase Epping’s size by almost half - or even more - putting big pressure on local roads, services and Epping Forest. Current and Potential Development Sites South Epping (SEMPA) – Between Flux’s Lane, Brook Road, Ivy Chimneys Road and the M25. In the Local Pl

Epping Society Society Christmas Invite

Epping Sports Centre Hemnall St. Sports Centre site – McCarthy Stone   6 Nov 2025 The Epping Society attended the recent public consultation on this site of the former Sports Centre in Epping. There are some features of the proposed development we feel in agreement with as below - Good Use of brownfield, comparatively high rise for town centre, EFDC Local Plan had “residential development”. One assumes that MS will build quicky and efficiently – which has not always been Qual

The Epping Society – ‘Grey belt’ threats As most local residents are aware the Green Belt around Epping is under threat from developers. One of the ‘tactics’ the developers will use in their proposal for building is that this land is now designated ‘grey belt’ and no longer protected as Green Belt. A useful overview of the changes the classification of ‘grey belt’ can be found on this Local Government Presentation PowerPoint Presentation The Savills Blog – In Plain English: T