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Scouts and Guides converged on Epping Forest at the end of August for the eleventh year of one of the most successful Environmental Projects of its kind. During the week, 92 young people worked under the direction of Forest Rangers and environmental experts on five projects designed to improve access and also to help conserve the forest. As well as local people from Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and the Greater London Counties, the participants came from Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire, Merseyside, Cheshire Lincolnshire, Lancashire and Merseyside.

The projects included extending footpaths alongside Connaught Water lake and also in the Forest Information Centre as well as clearing ponds and cutting away dense vegetation ranging from small bushes to quite large trees. This year a number of bridges were renovated and restored making it easier for visitors to follow the paths.

As well as the hard working week, the Venture Scouts, Rangers, Guides and Scouts have a busy social life and a day off to visit London or Wembley Stadium. They camp at in the heart of the Forest at Fairmead, the secluded and attractive campsite owned by Hackney District Scouts.

At the end of the week, representatives of the City of London, the Epping Forest Centenary Trust and three local Mayors toured the sites to see the work and also to express thanks to the participants for their outstanding work.

Project 800 started as part of the commemorative events to mark the 800th anniversary of the City of London. It has now become an annual event and a showcase for Scout and Guide co-operation and successful environmental work.

Work adjacent to the Forest Visitor Centre to improve wheelchair access and renew paths.

Hard work in clearing overgrown areas to encourage new growth is has to be repeated some years later as the forest regenerates.

Connaught Lake is visited by thousands each year with the consequential damage to the banks and footpaths.

Clearing ponds is muddy, smelly, hard work, great fun and very popular.

Wooden bridges require frequent renovation and often total reconstruction.

Behind every successful project is a support team of Leaders, caterers and Mrs Pauline Dawson (seated), the co-ordinator from the start of eleven very successful years.