Epping Forest habitats are of national and international conservation importance. The Forest’s ancient trees, hosts to hundreds of species, from wood boring insects to birds of prey are under threat: Competing younger trees block the sun’s rays from reaching the ancient trees. Also, following a 300% rise in Forest visitors during Covid, many trees have very hard ground around them. This compacted ground from mountain bikes and trampling is suffocating the tree roots.

For centuries Oak, Beech & Hornbeam trees were cut for timber at head height to prevent grazing animals eating the new growth. Those veteran trees are now between 200 & 1,000 years old, but their height is still reduced. To enable these precious veteran trees to survive we need to reduce the height of the neighbouring trees which cast shade over them, & ease soil compaction - creating a "Halo" around them. This will ensure these trees get enough light and nutrients to last 100’s more years.