Play in the Park
These wonderful, free play sessions are back!
Come along for a fun filled morning.
Bumble Green Playground – Thursday 30th July 2026 – 10am-12pm
Elizabeth Close Play Area – Tuesday 11th August 2026 – 10am-12pm
For kids of all ages.
See poster for details.
Summer holiday activities for children
The summer holidays are nearly here and there’s plenty to keep your little ones amused this summer. Don’t miss out – book your children’s holiday activities now.
From a 2-day musical camp where budding performers learn Annie and perform it for the grown-ups, to a teddy bears picnic with bug hunting, crafts and nature trails. Or come along to our free Play in the Park sessions taking place all across the Epping Forest district, there’s plenty to keep the kids amused this summer.
Children’s Musical in 2 Days – Annie
- Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August
- 10am to 3.30pm
- North Weald Village Hall, 40 High Road, North Weald Bassett CM16 6BU
- 6 to 13 years
- £59
- Book Children’s Musical in 2 Days – Annie
Countrycare Teddy Bears Picnic
- Wednesday 19 August
- 12 noon to 2pm
- Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve, Roebuck Lane, Buckhurst Hill
- For over 3’s
- £2.50
- Book Countrycare Teddy Bears Picnic
Play in the Park
- Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August
- Morning and afternoon sessions
- Locations all across the Epping Forest district
- Open to all ages
- Free
- No need to book, just drop in at any time
Full list of Play in the Park sessions
How to avoid being a wildfire starter
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) was called to 6 large field fires in 48 hours last week, follow this advice to help protect our countryside in the hot and dry weather.
Wildfires are very dangerous, spreading fast, changing direction, and threatening wildlife, livestock, domestic animals, the environment, property, and people. Most wildfires are started by humans, only 10 to 15% of wildfires happen on their own in nature.
How you can prevent wildfires, follow this advice so that everyone can enjoy and help protect our beautiful open spaces and countryside.
- Avoid having bonfires and barbecues in the countryside – cook your food at home and have a picnic instead
- Dispose of your cigarettes properly, make sure they are out – never throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows
- Take your litter home – sunlight magnified by glass bottles can spark a fire
- Report fires immediately by calling 999
- Use the free what3words app to help identify your exact location
- Report irresponsible behaviour – if you see or suspect someone of acting suspiciously, recklessly, or irresponsibly in the countryside contact the Police on 101 or pass information anonymously to FireStoppers on 0800 169 5558
- Talk to your children about the dangers of playing with fire and matches – keep matches and lighters stored well away from children and teenagers
The image used is from ECFRS, it happened earlier this week in Fryerning where an ember from a bonfire spread into a field fire.
Read more on wildfire safety advice on the EFCRS website