Epping Forest LPA BNG

Epping Forest’s landscape is dominated by a mixture of woodland, heathland, and agricultural habitats.

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Grassland Habitats

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Lowland dry acid grassland and neutral grassland patches occur mainly on sandy and gravelly soils.

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Improved grasslands are common in agricultural zones but can be enhanced for biodiversity gain.

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Woodland and Forest Habitats

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Extensive ancient semi-natural woodland, including Epping Forest itself, provides critical habitat for rare species like bats and woodpeckers.

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Secondary woodland and parkland also contribute to habitat diversity.

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Heathland and Shrub

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Lowland heathland is a key habitat within the district, supporting species such as nightjar and Dartford warbler.

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Mixed scrub and transitional shrub habitats are widespread on heathland edges and brownfield sites.

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Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

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River valleys and ponds, including those in riverine corridors like the River Roding, support wetland mosaics of high biodiversity value.

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Reedbeds and marshy grasslands are present in floodplain areas.

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Cropland Habitats

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Arable and pastoral farmland provide opportunities for field margin and hedgerow enhancements.

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Hedgerows and Linear Features

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Species-rich hedgerows form important wildlife corridors linking woodlands and heathlands.