As Talia walks in Epping Forest with her dog Stevie, she notices the branches casting eerie shadows. It's easy to see why many people associate woodlands with spooky happenings.
But, as a sceptic, Talia leaves the ghost stories aside to explore a deeper history connected to the Epping Forest District – some of the areas surrounding the woods: That’s the history of the people persecuted as Witches.
She chats with Amy Stock, an Epping Forest District Museum historian who shows Talia a mummified cat found in the walls of Waltham Abbey. It's thought this old cat could have been placed there to ward off witches.
Talia also discovers a little of what it's like to be a practising Witch today. Nature is a big part of modern-day magic; to many people, the forest - and nature itself - is a spiritual place. She meets High Priestess Debbie, who has faced serious challenges as she’s practised her craft.
Then, Talia meets self-described “baby witch” Keely Mills. They wander off into the woods and participate in a ceremony that gives thanks to this special - some might say magical - place.
Producer/Presenter: Talia Randall
Mixing and Mastering: Jamie Payne
Artwork: Ione Maria Rojas
Publishing Partner: Aunt Nell
Voices of Epping Forest was made possible through a commission from Essex Cultural Diversity Project supported by Arts Council England, in partnership with Epping Forest Heritage Trust, and supported by the City of London Corporation, Epping Forest and Essex County Council. Epping Forest is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation.
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