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Stapleford Abbotts Parish Council
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Do you have a favourite tree in Stapleford Abbotts?
EFDC area
13
January 2026
Now is your chance to put it in the district's hall of fame!
EFDC says: We want to know if there is a tree you think is special and makes life just that bit better? To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Epping Forest District Council’s Countrycare, we are compiling a list of the 50 favourite trees of the Epping Forest district.
Nominate your favourite tree
The top suggestions will become the new 50 Favourite Trees of Epping Forest Districtand be part of an exhibition at Epping Forest District Museum in Waltham Abbey during November 2026.
Nominated trees must be in the Epping Forest district and on public land.
Closing date for entries is May 2026, with prize giving and exhibition at the museum in November 2026.
The survey to find our top 50 favourite trees is part of Countrycare’s involvement with the Tree Council’s Tree Warden Scheme.
Share why it’s special
"We know trees work very hard for us – for our health, our wellbeing, for biodiversity and for the appearance of our towns, villages and countryside.
"Trees also matter to us for personal reasons, perhaps it’s a family memory, a historical connection, or simply the beauty of their size and shape. Whatever the reason, this survey gives you the chance to share your favourite tree and help the Countrycare team build a district-wide database of special trees."
Councillor Paul Keska, Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services
Find out about Countrycare
EFDC update on proposed postponement of district council elections
EFDC area
12
January 2026
Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council, has announced his intention to write to the Secretary of State asking her to not postpone the district council elections, scheduled for May 2026, despite the government’s offer.
On Tuesday 6 January, the leader met with council group leaders to discuss the implications of the government’s proposal to delay the elections in May. The government made the offer because of concerns holding elections would delay preparation for local government reorganisation (LGR).
This proposal follows the government’s recent decision to defer the Mayor of Greater Essex election from 2026 to 2028.
Despite hearing about the cost of holding elections and that they risked delaying local government reorganisation, group leaders agreed that elections should still take place and no extraordinary meeting of full council will be required to formalise the council’s response.
No to postponing district council elections
Epping Forest District Council will not call on the government to postpone the district council elections, however we do recognise that this has the potential to delay local government reorganisation.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council
Stapleford Abbotts
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