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.

Headline: Become a Nature Explorer for a Weekend!

Join the Wilderness Foundation for the Mann Wood BioBlitz this May Bank Holiday weekend (2nd – 3rd May). Mann Wood is a beautiful 92-acre private woodland in Great Leighs that is usually closed to the public—but for 24 hours, we are opening the gates to find every species of plant and animal that lives there!

This is a brilliant opportunity for children and families to:

• Meet the Experts: Work with specialists from the Essex Bat Group, South Essex Bird Ringing Group, and more.

• Get Hands-on: Take part in guided workshops, wildlife surveying, and family activities.

• Support a Local Charity: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Foundation, which provides environmental education and nature therapy across Essex.

Location: Mann Wood, Great Leighs, Chelmsford, CM3 1PP

Booking: Space is limited to protect the woodland habitat and booking is essential

Book Here

 

Contact Details:

Tel: 0300 123 3073

catherine@wildernessfoundation.org.uk

wildernessfoundation.org.uk

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Has a child been diagnosed with autism (or suspected autism)?

 

 

I'm writing to let you know about a free online support opportunity for parents and carers that we run through the Autism Family Support Service.

 

The next free online drop-in takes place on Tuesday 3rd March from 7pm - 8.30pm.

 

Please check out our website to learn more about You Are Not Alone.

 

We'd love it if you could share this with families who may benefit. You can share this leaflet with them. If you can't download the leaflet, please email me at team@youarenotalone.community and I will send it as an attachment.

 

 

What parents say:

 

‘Thank you so much for the group this evening. I can't tell you how grateful I feel, and I really do feel less alone and more validated. My hope is back’

 

Juliet, parent

 

 

You Are Not Alone - Free Online Parent Drop-In

 

Parenting an autistic child can feel amazing, confusing, and overwhelming, sometimes all in the same day. That's why we host our no-cost monthly online drop-in sessions for parents and carers.

 

First Tuesday of every month

7pm - 8.30pm

Platform: Zoom

 

What these sessions are all about

 

We've created a safe, non-judgemental space where parents can bring their questions, share worries and connect with others who 'get it'.

 

Topics often included:

 

• Understanding and responding to challenging behaviour
• Making sense of autism on a deeper level
• The ups and downs of family relationships and dynamics
• Working with schools and professionals
• Meeting like-minded parents and realising you are not alone

 

What we would like parents to take away:

 

• Feeling heard, appreciated, and understood
• Knowing they are seen as the experts on their own child and family
• Feeling hopeful and having gained practical ideas

 

 

Who runs the sessions?

 

The drop-ins are run by Erik Wagter (Social Worker) and Sally Wagter (Teacher) both with 20+ years of lived experience being the parent of an autistic child.

 

These sessions are a chance for parents to talk openly, learn, and connect. They don't have to do this on their own.

 

If you have families who may be interested, please provide them the leaflet.

 

Parents can now request the Zoom link on our website's home page.

 

 

Thank you for helping us spread the word. Together we can make sure parents know they are not alone.

 

 

Kind regards,

 

Erik Wagter

 

Autism Family Support Service

You Are Not Alone

 

www.autismfamilysupportservice.com

www.youarenotalone.community