Epping Forest Heritage Trust

Who we are

Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT) is a membership organisation and charity dedicated to preserving and protecting Epping Forest, its biodiversity, culture and heritage for people to enjoy now, and for generations to come.  Established in the 1970s to protect the Forest from road building we now do a range of activities to protect and conserve the Forest, from free guided walks to conservation sessions, from running the Visitor Centre at High Beach to undertaking a dedicated programme of community outreach, from responding to planning applications which might have an adverse impact on the Forest to engaging politicians and policy makers in the joys of Epping Forest. Last year our 376 volunteers supported over 25,000 people to enjoy the Forest.

Our culture and values

1. Our beliefs

a)       That the Forest is irreplaceable due to its biodiversity, heritage and culture, and that it should be protected and preserved for generations to come.

b)      That the Forest is good for people. It is good for their health and well-being, from encouraging people to be physically active to connecting them with nature, history and culture.

c)       That interaction between people and the Forest is essential for both to flourish, but this interaction needs to be carefully balanced.

d)      That the Forest should be accessible to everyone to enjoy responsibly.

e)      That the Forest contributes to the health of the planet. It helps humanity tackle the climate emergency and captures carbon and produces oxygen. The more biodiverse it is, the more resilient it is to climate change.

f)        That pollution in and around the Forest needs to be reduced to protect its biodiversity.

g)       That more needs to be done to encourage sustainable transport to, from and around the Forest.

2. Our Values

Our values underpin our approach to all our work

a)       Inclusive. We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the Forest responsibly, and everyone should be able to participate in our work. Everyone who comes into contact with EFHT should be safe and respected. We want to encourage people and communities who do not currently visit the Forest to do so.

b)      Collaborative. We want to collaborate with other people and organisations to optimise delivery of our mission.

c)       Trustworthy. We will be open and honest in all our work, give evidence-based advice and be clear about our areas of expertise and where others may be better able to help.

d)      Sustainable. We will work to reduce our environmental impact, and encourage others to do the same.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Epping Forest Heritage Trust (EFHT) is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment, where everyone who comes into contact with the Trust is respected and valued.

Every person who volunteers with, works for, or comes into contact with Epping Forest Heritage Trust must be treated with dignity and respect, and feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

Our aim is for our employees and volunteers to be truly representative of all sections of society, and for each employee and volunteer to feel respected and able to give their best.