The cultural and natural heritage of the forests of Essex will be explored in a one day conference that will consider issues surrounding the understanding, conservation and future of trees, woods and forests in the county.
Held in memory of Oliver Rackham, the leading historian and ecologist of British woodland, the conference will include a keynote speech from Professor Tom Williamson (School of History at UEA) which explores Rackham’s contribution to our understanding of trees, woods and forests in Essex. The conference will also mark the anniversary of Henry III’s Charter of the Forest in 1217.
The line-up of speakers includes Professor Charles Watkins (University of Nottingham) who will be discussing Essex Trees in Art, and Dr Jeremy Dagley (City of London) leading on the ecology and conservation of Epping Forest. There will also be a range of other national and local experts.
The conference is organised by Place Services at Essex County Council as part of their programme of traditional building skills and conservation courses. It costs £65 per person, including lunch, and will be held on Monday 19 February at the fantastic Gilwell Park Conference Centre which is set in 108 acres on the edge of Epping Forest.
Essex County Councillor Simon Walsh, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: “From Hatfield to Epping, we are very fortunate in Essex to benefit from outstanding forests which contribute so much to our environment and our lives. With an impressive line-up of speakers, the day promises to be both insightful and thoroughly enjoyable.”
