11 November 2008
Fencing and grids in Epping Forest
In view of concerns over the plans to put up fencing and cattle
grids in the Epping Forest, A City of London's spokesperson said:
"The grazing of cattle is an ancient commoners’ right, which helped
to save the Forest in the 19th Century, and as a result the Epping
Forest Act explicitly protects this right. Cattle were a feature of
the Forest up until the mid-1990s ranging from Wanstead to
Chingford each summer, but grazing has declined rapidly since. As
well as maintaining a centuries-old tradition, it is very important
to re-establish cattle grazing in Epping Forest in order to sustain
its special landscape and biodiversity, which have resulted from
this age-old management.
The effort by the Conservators to re-establish grazing across a
700ha area of Forest has been the subject of two detailed public
consultations in 2005 and 2007 with strong public support voiced
for the proposals. Whilst cattle grids have been a feature around
the Forest roads for many years, the fences are proposed to ensure
that cattle are prevented from straying onto the increasingly busy
and fast-moving A-roads. The proposed wooden fencing will be the
same design as an existing fence line alongside the A104 Epping New
Road that has been in place since 2002 and worked very effectively.
The fencing is limited to certain key stretches of road and will
not enclose any one part of the Forest. As with the existing fence
there will be pedestrian access points every 20 metres as well as
regular and improved horse and cycle crossing points across the
roads.
On safety issues, the grids will fully meet the British Standard
approved by the British Horse Society. Each grid will have a bypass
gate to allow horses, carriages and bicycles to pass safely around
cattle grids. Bypass gates will have 'trombone' handles to prevent
dismounting and mounting blocks for those riders who wish to lead
their horses through the gates.
We are working closely and still in consultation with user
groups including Epping Forest Riders Association and United
Riders. We are also working closely with Essex County Council and
the London Borough highways departments to make sure that the
re-establishment of grazing is carried out alongside improvements
to road crossing points and many other features that can help
reduce the impact of traffic on the enjoyment of Forest visitors.
"
Notes to editors:
Epping Forest: Epping Forest, a major public
open space and a site of international importance for its cultural
and wildlife value, is owned and managed by the City of London.
Since the 1870’s it has had a policy of protecting open spaces for
the enjoyment of Londoners. This policy was subsequently adopted by
central and local government and the Green Belt was born.
Loretta Lui
Press Officer
Public Relations Office
City of London
PO Box 270, Guildhall
London EC2P 2EJ
Tel 020 7332 1528 / 0777 080 3589
Fax 020 7332 1987