Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Enfield Chase, originally a royal hunting forest established during the medieval period, covers approximately 3,000 acres in the London Borough of Enfield. It once served as a hunting ground for monarchs, particularly from the time of Edward VI when it was formally designated a chase. The area is characterized by a mix of ancient woodland, open grassland, and parkland with remnants of its historic hedgerows and wildlife corridors. Modern Enfield Chase is cherished as a significant green space in Greater London, providing habitat for native wildlife including deer, birds, and a variety of flora. The landscape features gentle hills, small streams, and patches of mature oak, beech, and hornbeam trees. Visitors enjoy walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting on paths that link various parts of the Chase, including Forty Hall estate. The Chase retains a strong historical identity, with remnants of its royal hunting past evident in boundary banks and old timber-lined rides. It serves as an essential urban natural area for relaxation and outdoor activity, offering accessible green space close to London while supporting biodiversity conservation efforts. Community initiatives work to promote the protection and sustainable management of this publicly enjoyed woodland area. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Enfield Chase invites visitors to experience the outdoors within a historically rich setting.
