Epping Forest District Council Community and Wellbeing

18/06/2026

The Oakwood Hill Loop was launched on 11 June 2026 – the first of its kind in Essex!
Despite inclement weather, 35 members of the community gathered to around Oakwood Hill estate and the Roding Valley Recreation Ground as illustrated on the pictured map. Walkers from the community, included Cllr Murray and Cllr Fricker as well as the OH teacher of ‘Strictly Dancing & Dining’ and 2 of her dancers; scout leaders, an OH Community Champion, Active Essex and Find Your Active team members.
In addition, 14 pupils from Alderton Hall Junior School attended with Sarah Finn, Deputy Headteacher and other staff members and parent. During the feedback session after the walk, the children were praised for being trailblazers and inspirational to other schools and received a Movemaker Award from Active Essex.
The next community walk will be at the Community Extravaganza on the 11 July where children are encouraged to dress up as lions, to celebrate the launch of ‘Lions on the loose’ whilst walking the Oakwood Hill Loop with their friends and families
*** Updated to add extra photos ***
Epping Forest District Council Active Essex Foundation Find Your Active - West Essex The Alderton Junior School

18/06/2026

The Oakwood Hill Loop was launched on 11 June 2026 – the first of its kind in Essex!
Despite inclement weather, 35 members of the community gathered to around Oakwood Hill estate and the Roding Valley Recreation Ground as illustrated on the pictured map. Walkers from the community, included Cllr Murray and Cllr Fricker as well as the OH teacher of ‘Strictly Dancing & Dining’ and 2 of her dancers; scout leaders, an OH Community Champion, Active Essex and Find Your Active team members.
In addition, 14 pupils from Alderton Hall Junior School attended with Sarah Finn, Deputy Headteacher and other staff members and parent. During the feedback session after the walk, the children were praised for being trailblazers and inspirational to other schools and received a Movemaker Award from Active Essex.
The next community walk will be at the Community Extravaganza on the 11 July where children are encouraged to dress up as lions, to celebrate the launch of ‘Lions on the loose’ whilst walking the Oakwood Hill Loop with their friends and families Epping Forest District Council Active Essex Foundation Find Your Active - West Essex The Alderton Junior School

10/06/2026

Epping Forest Community Lottery spotlight on With Love Chicken Soup Run...

Epping Forest Community Lottery spotlight – Chicken Soup Run

The Made With Love Chicken Soup Run (based in Loughton) is now the top ticket seller on the lottery, since it joined last year. They are on course to raise £4,000 this year to help support their incredible work in the local community.

The charity delivers home cooked meals to roughly 170 elderly and vulnerable people every Friday. 40 volunteers work tirelessly chopping, cooking, filling bags, driving and caring for everyone they support.

Read more at https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/lottery-spotlight-chicken-soup-run/

09/06/2026

EFDC Waltham Abbey Community Champions are delivering another Community Litter Pick.

Please come along for a chat, help keep the neighbourhood clean and enjoy free tea and biscuits after. All equipment provided and everyone welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre

When: Saturday 13 June
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Meet: Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, Hillhouse, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3EL

18/05/2026

A huge congratulations to our £2000 winner! Buy your tickets now for Saturdays draw and you could be our next big winner 🎉

We’re excited to announce a local lottery player has won an amazing £2,000.

Joyce, from Buckhurst Hill, has won a £2,000 cash prize after matching 5 numbers while supporting the Bedford House Community Association, a Buckhurst Hill based charity.

Congratulations Joyce!🎉

Play today and support local causes - the next winner could be you🏆
Tickets cost just £1 per week and there’s a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize. The top prize is £25,000, and additional prizes include £250, £25, and free entries. Players simply select their numbers and choose a local good cause to support.

Read more at https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/buckhurst-hill-community-lottery-player-wins-2000/

08/05/2026

A FREE event showcasing activities, organisations and volunteering opportunities in the Epping Forest District takes place on Thursday 21 May at The Limes Centre, Chigwell.

Read more:

A FREE event showcasing activities, organisations and volunteering opportunities in the Epping Forest District takes place on Thursday 21 May at The Limes Centre, Chigwell. Its aim is to celebrate the Epping Forest Community, share stories about volunteering and offer advice and information on how t...

08/05/2026

The new What’s On in Epping Forest brochure is now available, filled with activities, events and workshops for May to October 2026.

We have activities for all ages and abilities. Activities for young people, activities for older people, activities for families and an inclusion programme for those that need a little extra help.

Read more: https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/whats-on-in-epping-forest/