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Gernon Bushes (Epping Forest): a Man About Country Story Walk

In-Person
JUL 24

Friday, July 24

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM local time

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About

_ “I come not from Heaven, but from Essex” _ - William Morris

Dandy roadmen, peasant poets, strong Essex women, dastardly robberies and ordinary heroes standing up for the common man. There's plenty to discover in Gernon Bushes, at the tip of Epping Forest: Europe's largest collection of ancient trees (55,000 of them!)

On this story walk, you’ll be guided by storyteller James Lawrence, who will bring the landscape to life with history, folklore and local legends, alongside the plants and wildlife that make this part of the world special.

If you want to know more about the history, stories and places in your local area, while getting some quality time in nature - this walk is for you!

Walk Details

  • Start time: 12pm
  • Start & Finish point : Garnon Mead, CM16 7RN (follow the link for the exact spot)
  • Parking : Garnon Mead, CM16 7RN (free)
  • Public Transport : Bus stop within 5min walk
  • Distance : 3km
  • Duration : 2.5 hours
  • Terrain : Grass and dirt paths, woodland floor, roots, steps, slopes
  • Amenities: Toilets and refreshments at The Garnon Bushes pub (2mins from start point)
  • Dogs : Welcome
  • Questions : james@manaboutcountry.co.uk

About Your Guide

![](https://r2.dandelion.events/2026/06/09/10/38/19/e25c3741-8f2f-4063-8f09-a4003ebe406c/TW (3).jpg)

James Lawrence, AKA Man About Country, is a storyteller, adventurer, naturalist, and Cultural Ambassador for Essex. For over five years he’s led walks around some of Britain’s most fascinating places, guiding people to discover the country like never before. James is fresh off the Essex Ways: a 400km walking adventure around his home county to discover its stories, people and places. He set out to bust the negative media stereotypes and prove that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England. After a sell-out storytelling tour around Essex, a film, and a book of Essex stories on the way, James is dedicated to showing how the old stories of Essex are at the heart of the special place it is today, and provide vital guidance on the issues facing the county’s future.

Learn more about James and his recent 400km storytelling adventure around Essex: