Connaught Water
11 January 2003 - A Walk Round Connaught Water in
Epping Forrest
![img_2266.jpg (201204 bytes)](../../images/2003/2003-01/img_2266.jpg)
The 5500 acres of Epping Forest were purchased by the Corporation of London and
declared "open" by the Queen in 1882, as an inalienable
possession to the public for all time.
![img_2269.jpg (192466 bytes)](../../images/2003/2003-01/img_2269.jpg)
The construction of this eight-acre ornamental lake started in 1883.
It was enlarged in 1893 and the two islands made. Before this
transformation, the area consisted of a small swampy pool fed by the
drainage from Hill Wood, Fairmead Bottom and Thicket. The aim of the Conservators
in the early days was to drain the Forest to improve it
for Commoners' cattle and to increase access safely.
![img_2270.jpg (162922 bytes)](../../images/2003/2003-01/img_2270.jpg)
The new lake was named after the newly appointed first Ranger of the
Forest, the Duke of Connaught. The catchment area of Connaught Water is
the woodland and plains northwards to High Beach from where the water is
concentrated into two streams entering at the NE and NW corners of the
lake.
![img_2271.jpg (98611 bytes)](../../images/2003/2003-01/img_2271.jpg)
The lake continues to this day to be a popular spot, where until recently boating
was licensed. Its reputation for its variety of wild fowl is notable.
![img_2273.jpg (194607 bytes)](../../images/2003/2003-01/img_2273.jpg)
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