Seeing the trees for the woods at Epping Forest

I can’t remember the last time I wondered into a forest. But, rest assured, forests in this part of London (yes, they do exist!) are nothing like the eerie Hansel and Gretel patch.

This is why the Heritage Lottery Grant wants us to venture into local forests, like in Epping, so that we can learn more about what they have to offer and make the most of the experience.

The Walthamstow Guardian reports that the Branching Out Project will include refurbishing a retreat with a large exhibition area and campus for visitors to learn about the area.

Now where’s my picnic basket?

West Ham targeting Europe place

Local football team West Ham United is optimistic it will go places. Manager Gianfranco Zola wants his players to make a final push to get a European place.

The team moved to within seven points of sixth-placed Everton with a 1-1 Premier League draw at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Zola said: “It would be massive achievement. All my pleasure would be for the players. The players are strong. If you see some of the defending Scott Parker of Lucas Neill did, you will see they have a passion for what they are doing.”

Zola expressed this in the Manager on Monday column.

Students to design London Olympic’s education logo

Students across the UK have been invited to design a new London 2012 education logo.

After the public outrage the official London 2012 logo stirred when it was unveiled, I think young people will easily cook up something better.

To take part in this, you’ve got to be aged 16-21 and be in full or part-time education.

The image you come up with will create an 'infill' for the London 2012 Olympic logo. It must reflect the ambitions of the London 2012 Get Set education programme, aimed at involving children and young people in the Olympics.

From September, the winning logo will be awarded to schools, colleges and local authority education providers who join the ‘Get Set’ network. They will be able to use the logos on headed paper, website and school signs, as well as on a plaque and certificate.

Meanwhile, plans for the Media Centre (see artist’s impression above), have been unveiled.

Around 20,000 broadcasters, photographers and journalists will use the facility during the Games.

Afterwards, it’s understood the buildings will leave the local area with around 900,000 square feet of new business space.

New hotline for reporting shops that sell booze to teenagers

People fed up with anti-social behaviour caused by drunk teens in the area will be able to report under-age alcohol sales on a new especially dedicated hotline.

The Stratford and Newham Express reports that Newham is one of 11 London boroughs receiving £30,000 from the Home Office to tackle specific local trouble-spots of alcohol-related crime and disorder.

This money is available to the 50 priority areas in the UK and will be used to tackle underage sales, confiscate alcohol from under- 18s and to carry out tougher alcohol enforcement work.

Anyone who witnesses alcohol being sold to the under-18s or being sold at unlicensed premises can call (020) 8217 5971 and leave details anonymously and in confidence.