Epping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area, at almost 6,000 acres. A former royal hunting forest, it was saved from destruction in the 19th century by the Corporation of London. The age of the forest and the range of habitats that it contains make it a valuable area for wildlife and it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The formerly pollarded trees have not been cut since the 19th century and have now grown massive crowns of thick, trunk-like branches. The weight of the branches cannot be supported by the parent tree, and the large amount of dead wood in the forest sustains numerous  species of fungi. The predominant tree species are pedunculate oak, European beech, European hornbeam and silver birch - all providing beautiful autumn colours with abundant foreground interest in mosses etc. It is also excellent for infrared photography with the varied trunk and branch shapes providing infinite subjects.

Meeting at 10 am Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Nursery Rd, Waltham Abbey, Loughton IG10 4AF. There are toilets at the car park and visitor centre.  Bring a packed lunch though there is usually food available at the mobile van in the area.

Fungi in London Parks