Discovering Veteran Trees of Epping Forest

The course will cover survey methods for both amateur interest and the specialist, as well as veteran trees as a habitat and their historical context in Epping Forest.

Veteran tree distribution will be looked at. The Specialist Survey Method and the Ancient Tree Hunt Recording Method will be covered. Ancient trees as habitat will be considered, illustrated using certain species / species groups.

The historical context and management of Epping Forest will also be reviewed.

This course takes place situated in the heart of Epping Forest, an area of around 2,400 hectares of wood-pasture, stretching from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Survey veteran/ancient trees and contribute to databases
• Recognise veteran/ancient trees and have an enhanced understanding of their importance
• Gain knowledge of Epping Forest trees
• Share this knowledge with friends, family, and fellow volunteers

Who Should Attend? – Nature enthusiasts, students, rangers, early career ecologists.

Knowledge Level – Beginner. Level descriptors can be found on the following web-page: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge – No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course, just a willingness to explore and learn.

Please note – there are no accommodation, lunch and or evening meal facilities at Epping Forest. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be available.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a botanist – geographer currently working as an independent ecologist with habitat assessment and management as a main area of expertise. Over time she has also worked for the Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Rangering, Wildlife Trusts and latterly as an associate tutor for the Field Studies Council. As a naturalist she has a fascination for wild places, as well as the wild in more urban settings and an enthusiasm for passing this to others through practical application.

Example Timetable

This timetable is subject to change but should give a clear outline of what to expect.

• Please arrive at 9:15am in time for the course to start promptly at 9:30am
• The course will end at 4:30pm

Morning: Veteran tree survey methods and practice. Veteran tree habitat.
Afternoon: Wider field visit (a mile or so walk with some steeper slopes). Historical context of Epping Forest’s trees.

Please note: accommodation and lunch are not included. Refreshments (tea and coffee) will be provided.

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  Expert Tuition

The course has been carefully created by expert tutors and educators to help you continue to build and develop your knowledge and apply it within the field surrounded by like-minded individuals.

The course includes:

• Classroom learning covering the theory of the species
• Field excursions to apply new knowledge
• Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
• Clear objectives and progression
• Refreshments (tea and coffee)

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be provided. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Student Discount

This course is eligible for a student discount. If you are a current student, please use discount code BioStudent20 at checkout for 20% off all Biodiversity courses.

Natural History Bursaries

There are a number of natural history bursaries available to help with the cost of your course. To find out if you and your chosen course are eligible, read more here.

What to Bring:

• Notebook and pencil
• Lunch and refreshments
• Sensible footwear and clothing for being outdoors

There will be a member of staff with first aid training and access to a first aid kit on site. If you have special medical or access requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan the course.