Loughton's remarkable trees walk

Published on 14 July 2011

21 local residents enjoyed a guided walk around the conservation areas of Baldwins Hill and York Hill in Loughton looking at the extensive collection of veteran trees in the area. They were led by local naturalist Tricia Moxey and Epping Forest District Councils Countrycare assistant Kevin Mason.

The walk, on Sunday 10 July 2011, added several new veteran trees to the councils database of veteran trees and demonstrated the significance of the veteran trees in Loughton as part of the Loughton tree strategy. Tricia explained the significance of old hedgerows in the area using a dating method known as Hooper’s Rule. Hooper’s Rule suggests the number of mature species in a 30 metre stretch multiplied by 100 can give an approximate age for a hedge. The York Hill hedge had 6 species and therefore is aged at approximately 600 years old.

The walk also covered the area known as Little Cornwall, an area named by local author Ruth Rendell in her 1974 novel 'The Face of Trespass'. Kevin explained the history of the area and local points of interest. A short stop was made on the green opposite the Gardener’s Arms to admire the view across East London to Canary Wharf and the hills of Kent in the distance.

The walkers continued to Woodberry Hollow, also known as Drummaids, to look at the view of the forest. From there the spire at the top of High Beech church was just visible. Pausing at two Horse chestnut trees, Tricia explained that the Horse chestnut leaf minor micro moth was damaging the tree leaves. Kevin gave details to the group of what can be done to help and of the conker tree science project.

The walk lasted over two hours with 25 different tree species seen. It was appreciated by all who came along on what turned out to be a beautiful, warm and sunny warm morning.

Don't miss out on the next guided walk by Countrycare around Epping Upland and Nazeing on Saturday 16 July walking the footpaths originally worked on by Countrycare in 1986. Details can be found on the online events calendar.