Chairman celebrates forest at civic lunch

Published on 30 September 2011

The Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Ken Angold-Stephens was joined by mayors and chairmen from around Essex and close London Boroughs for a civic lunch at The Warren, Loughton.

It was the first time that this Grade II listed property, which is the administration offices of the Conservators of Epping Forest had been used for such a prestigious event. Guests were escorted and a walk through the forest led by Sofie Lillington and Tony Waulhaus who gave an insight into the history of the forest and The Warren. Following the walk guests enjoyed a lunch of locally sourced and produced Epping Forest venison sausages.

Councillor Angold-Stephens said: "The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and development for all types of forests, so I decided to host the luncheon at The Warren House, Loughton. Paul Thomson the Superintendent of Epping Forest impressed us all with his vision on the future plans for the forest. His talk reminded us not only of changing tastes and priorities but also that a forest is an organic entity that develops and changes over time. The forest needs nurturing through dedicated and knowledgeable staff, something the Forest clearly has in abundance."