Why are there so many Ancient Trees in this London forest?

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[OneLgend]

Great to see another video on Epping Forest!
Earlier this year I walked the entire length - Leyton to Epping - towards the north there are less and less paths, but what really surprised me positively were the wetlands towards the north, just endless pools of water intermixed with dense undergrowth that was after near impassable. They also formed an excellent barrier against the hundreds of deer in the forest, allowing for a really unique ecosystem

[leogasparro]

Being from Waltham Forest, the London borough that has the most of Epping forest, these trees were the perfect spot to smoke weed and take other substances and I couldn't be more thankful

[voiceinthenoise]

Thank you for speaking for nature.

I wrote this poem about people scribbling on trees:

~

Immortality

Why carve names on trees
scars, not art, in bark
where sap bleeds.
Let us live forever,
faceless, nameless,
through the quiet, patient
planting of seeds.

[Enfrance]

I have lovely memories of visiting Epping Forest after the war. I had some Aunts who lived in the East End and Chingford and they knew that if me and my parents were going to visit a trip to the Forest was a must. Somehow it was different to my local woods in Pinner. Not just the size but also the type of flora and fauna. I played mostly in rhododendron trees because the soil was so acid so I was fascinated but the enormous trees in Epping. Great memories of the joy and relief after the war.

[Nagash]

I remember when clean straight grain wood was the only wood desirable for flooring and furniture. Now I watch a lot of craftsmen who do wood turning or use slabs to make resin tables who specifically want the knotty, knobby, burl and crotch pieces for the grain abnormalities they create. Looking at those ancient pollard trunks they look like dream material for some woodworkers.

[TheWatchpoplars]

I live 5, 000 miles to the west where the Redwoods grow. There are not many old trees where I live aside from the Valley Oaks and wild Plums, however seeing all the footage of these trees in the UK, I am getting SO MUCH bonsai inspiration!!! I have seen these same trees in my area, yet cultivated and brought over from different places, and they are a lot younger or they get weakened from our hot dry summers. I definitely needed this video to put some more pictures in my mind about other trees that I plan to start bonsai with. I am a youth, been doing bonsai for almost 3 years, owning 40 individual plants sharing or growing alone in their pots, and I don't see an end in my screaming passion of living a very green life.

[sarahkendall]

If you want to see an ancient oak tree then I recommend visiting Panshanger Park in Hertfordshire, it has quite a few old tree but the oldest is huge and believed to have been planted by Queen Elizabeth I. It also has the beautiful chalk River Mimram flowing through the grounds.

[Swaggerlot]

It was truly marvelous when post war government established the 'Green Belt'. It didn't go far enough, but it was huge win for the English countryside.

[Joss]

I have visited Epping Forest for many years, may it be looked after for many more...a lovely video, thanks, Joseph

[toma]

I grew and still live near by and it's been a massive part of my life

[elliotreynolds]

Best content creator about wildlife and nature to date, you speak in such an enticing way with an abundance of knowledge ❤

[Martinbeef]

Thanks for this. Even watching the film, it’s so relaxing to be in a forest and amazing to know that the trees go on, even when we disappear. To put a hand on an old tree, you can sense movement inside and growth. They keep going no matter what, and that’s inspiring. ❤

[louislamonte]

Fantastic Video, my friend! The beard looks GREAT on you! Thank you for your strength, resolve, consistency and courage! I hope to see these trees in person one day soon!

[theostapel]

Thank you for the forest walk and the forest facts - from Munich.

[lmonk]

epping forest also has cattles allowed to graze in the woods. so that is kinda like re-wilding.

[CyclingSteve]

I love Epping forest, you can get the Central line to the eastern half or the Overground to Chingford to reach the wider parts or cycle from Manor Park all the way up, there's also cycleway 23 from Hackney to Woodford where you can enter the forest. It gets a bit busy at the northern end at the weekends but empties out around 7pm when the car parks close which is great in summer.
I've seen muntjac and roe deer, been scared by Jays and barking deer in the middle of the night, it's a real adventure getting lost sometimes.

[christinecollins]

Interesting history and good informative video

[RaduP]

The true Britain we all (non British residents) used to admire! Some ppl will hate this video though!

[gooddrifters]

I have a massive copper beech in my garden. The roots have their own ecoosystem. Newts live there ans some gaps between the roots contain little pools of water.

[oxfordgreg]

If you've never explored the Petworth estate in Sussex, I can recommend it. There are some wonderful, ancient trees there. Not as many as Epping, clearly, but wonderful, nonetheless.