Three brand-new Epping Forest Treasure Trails in Ongar, Loughton and Waltham Abbey, designed as fun, self-guided walking adventures suitable for all ages. Each trail takes around two hours to complete, with clues ranging from simple to challenging to ensure everyone can get involved.

 

 Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) support, the District Council is able to offer the first 500 downloads for each trail completely free of charge on a first-come, first‑served basis.

 

 These trails aim to:

• Encourage families to get outdoors and enjoy local walking routes
• Build pride in our towns and neighbourhoods
• Increase footfall in our high streets
• Celebrate local architecture, history, landscapes and hidden stories

 We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your school community through Parent Mail or preferred communication channel.

 

How families can take part

1. Choose your local Epping Forest trail and click the link to go straight to it:

·       Ongar Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/chipping-ongar-treasure-hunt

·       Loughton Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/loughton-treasure-hunt

·       Waltham Abbey Trail – https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/products/waltham-abbey-treasure-hunt

1. Add your chosen trail to the basket.
2. Use the relevant code at checkout to download the trail for free:

·       Ongar: Ongar2026

·       Waltham Abbey: WalthamAbbey2026

·       Loughton: Loughton2026

 These trails offer a fantastic way for families to explore their local area together while learning about the history and character of our district.

Free Online Event: Supporting Your Child's Transition to Secondary School
Thursday 25th June | 7:00–8:00pm | Zoom

 

Register your interest below to secure your place.

 

We'll send you an email with your Zoom joining link and final event details three days before the event, with a reminder on the day itself.

 

Attendance is free and open to all parents and carers. Following the event, attendees will also receive a practical handout summarising the key tips and advice shared by our speakers.

You'll also receive our monthly newsletter packed with expert advice, resources and practical guidance to help support children's mental health and wellbeing. You can opt out at any time.

 

https://mailchi.mp/nipinthebud.org/parent-zoom-live-signup-page

There will be opportunities for families to get involved in history trails around the museum, spot hazards in our fire safety room, partake in craft activities, sit on our fire engines (and squirt water).   We can also take referrals for families who don’t have working smoke alarms and arrange a free home visit.

 

The museum is free entry (but visits are by appointment only……..as we are on the site of an operational fire station).

If families are interested, could they please make a booking via Eventbrite:

 

Sunday 28^th June 2026:  Essex Fire Museum Open Day Tickets, Sunday 28 June  •  10:30 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite 

  

 Suggested last admissions are 2.30pm.   This is just so that people have enough time to experience everything on site.

 

Our address and contact details are:

Essex Fire Museum

Grays Fire Station,

Hogg Lane,

Grays RM17 5QS

Phone: 01376 576847

Email: museum@essex-fire.gov.uk

Website:  Fire Museum (essex-fire.gov.uk)