Brambly Hedge mice pop up in Epping Forest as new sculpture trail opens

Children pressed their hands to freshly carved oak as a new trail opened in Epping Forest, bringing Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge to life. The Brambly Hedge sculpture trail in Epping Forest features 17 characters along a step-free route from the Visitor Centre at Chingford to Connaught Water.

Five figures greet visitors near the start, before the path winds to a further dozen sculptures by the lakeside. Each carving includes braille nameplates and a sensory panel, with space for wheelchairs to move all the way around. The aim is simple: anyone, at any age, can explore.

Brambly Hedge first appeared in 1980, and much of its world was drawn from the hedgerows and ancient trees of this forest. The trail also marks the 45th anniversary of the books, threading literature, local history and access into a single family day out.

Funding for the Connaught Water sculptures and footpath improvements came from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, alongside City of London Corporation support and local donations. The route links via Gloucester Ride, opened earlier this year to honour the Duke of Gloucester’s 50 years as Ranger of Epping Forest.

“This new trail is a wonderful addition to the wide range of family-friendly activities in Epping Forest,” said Caroline Haines, chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee. “With over one million trees, some a thousand years old, it is easy to see where Jill Barklem found her inspiration.”

Jill Barklem’s daughter, Lizzie, called the project “a very fitting part of the celebrations,” adding that she hopes families will look more closely at the woodland through the seasons.

Trail packs cost £3 from the Visitor Centre and include a leaflet, interactive map and pencil. Find all 17 characters and young explorers can claim a “completer’s” sticker. Practical details for access and parking are available via this <u>official visitor information</u>.

Need to know

• Start: Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Chingford
• Route: Visitor Centre to Connaught Water via Gloucester Ride
• Count: 17 wooden sculptures (5 near the start, 12 by the water)
• Access: Step-free approaches, braille names, sensory panels
• Trail pack: £3 from the Visitor Centre

Epping Forest stretches from Manor Park to Epping and is recognised as ancient wood-pasture, with protected habitats and listed heritage. The City of London Corporation manages it as a charitable trust for public benefit.

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[Image Credit | Benjamin Murphy]

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