Burnham Beeches comprises 220 hectares (540 acres) of ancient woodland, heath, wood pasture and wetland. It is a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. Since 1879, it has been owned and maintained by the City of London Corporation as part of its portfolio of 11,000 acres of open spaces retained for public recreation and enjoyment across four counties in England. It welcomes over 600,000 visitors each year and its natural capital valued at £3.6m annually in public benefits. It operates as a registered charity, overseen by the City’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee.

My remarks are in three parts:

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