Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest and Shadow Environment Minister, visited the Epping Forest Field Centre at High Beach, where he was welcomed by Centre Manager Jo Vere. During the visit, Dr Hudson met with staff, discussed the Centre’s work, and toured both the indoor facilities and the extensive outdoor learning areas.
The Epping Forest Field Centre, part of the Field Studies Council, is funded through school visits and grant support. It operates in partnership with the City of London Corporation, and receives additional backing from the Epping Forest Heritage Fund.
Inside the main building, Dr Hudson saw the classrooms, office space, staff facilities, and a recently-installed boot‑wash area designed to support outdoor learning and to promote biosecurity. Outside, the Centre’s grounds include two ponds, several outdoor classrooms, access to the surrounding forest, and a weather station that supplies live data to the Met Office.
The Centre primarily hosts secondary school groups studying GCSE Geography, particularly river systems, and A‑level Biology.
Jo Vere, who has led the Centre for more than two years, outlined her ambition to broaden its reach by developing programmes for primary schools, older residents, and SEND groups, ensuring more people can benefit from hands‑on environmental education in Epping Forest.
Member of Parliament for Epping Forest and Shadow Environment Minister, Dr Neil Hudson MP, said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit the Epping Forest Field Centre and to see Jo Vere and her dedicated team. Their work plays a vital role in helping folk of all ages engage with nature, science and the natural environment in a hands‑on way.”
“The Centre is a real asset for Epping Forest, and I am really keen that more local schools and community groups benefit from the fantastic opportunities it offers.”
Epping Forest Field Studies Centre Manager, Jo Vere, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Neil Hudson MP to Epping Forest Field Centre and to share the important work we do to inspire people of all ages to connect with nature and learn about the environment at Field Studies Council.”
“The visit provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the role of environmental education in developing a greater understanding of biodiversity, and the challenges facing our natural world, as well as the physical and well-being benefits of outdoor learning.
“I would like to thank Neil for taking the time to visit the Field Centre and for the genuine interest and knowledge he brought to the discussions. It was great to share and exchange ideas around opportunities available for schools, community groups, and local residents in Epping Forest!”
