Follow the Forest is a project by artists Shaun C. Badham and James Ravinet exploring the unique ecology, land rights and history of Epping Forest. The project draws inspiration from the organised protest and lobbying that led to the Epping Forest Act 1878, and the many residents, community groups and organisations that have succeeded in protecting the vitality of the forest environment ever since. With its protection enshrined in law, the forest is a rich ecosystem of wildlife and heritage that provides respite, meaning and exploration for residents and visitors alike.
Delivered over the summer of 2024 in the form of guided walks from Highams Park Lake to Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Chinford - the route includes passing by the meandering flow of the river Ching, through Hatch Forest and Whitehall Plain and onwards to the ancient trees of Barn Hoppit.
The guided walks followed the forest to explore and observe the natural environment, registering the layering of social histories, governance and ecologies that converge along the way. From the history of forest retreats and the Victorian temperance movement to the site of the first known Eid prayers in London. Two variations of the walk included contributions from Gordon Turpin (The Highams Park Planning Group), Amy Liu/Robyn Lammiman (Epping Forest Heritage Trust), Gary Stone (Chingford Historical Society), Janet Lapan (The Ching Brook Action Group) and local author and historian Georgina Green, who each provided us with an insight into their work and knowledge around Epping Forest.
A representation of this walk in the form of an audio guide and map can be found here.
Walk 1: Saturday 31st August 2024, 11.00am to 2.00pm.
Walk 2: Saturday 7th September 2024, 11.00am to 2.00pm.
Illustration and design by Philippa Stewart. 
Image: Fallen tree at Highams Park, April 2024. Photo: James Ravinet.
Follow the Forest emerged from an earlier project titled ‘Marking the Land’ (2023), which sought to explore the preservation of public rights of way along The Essex Way; an 81-mile long waymarked route from Epping Forest to Harwich, Essex. The route was first established by students from Chelmsford Technical College in 1972, but made accessible and popularised thanks to the voluntary work of the West Essex Ramblers. This same group has strong ties to Epping Forest, working alongside conservation and community groups to uphold the protection of the forest, and maintaining or promoting walking routes in the area. In this sense, the walking route and project is indicative of how access to greenspaces can connect us, both literally and historically, promoting shared values and cultures associated with upholding the protection of access to open spaces.
Follow the Forest is made possible by Waltham Forest Council’s Make It Happen grants programme.
