Forest of Dean Forestry Consultation

[Doomanic]

Our Shared Forest

The Forestry have launched a consultation on the future use of the Forest of Dean.
This could have a massive positive or negative impact on mountain biking and the trail network.
Take the time to have your say by completing their survey!

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Thanks for sharing. Interesting to read.

What we are planning to do:
Review and extend our network of waymarked trails for people
of all abilities to walk, run or ride
We aim to provide a network of multi-user trails that start and finish at our hub sites.
The walking trail network will be planned to provide a minimum of a short all-ability circular surfaced route on relatively level ground,
and a longer circular route. We also aspire
to introduce a new circular Forest Trail to be suitable for walkers and horse riders.
The waymarked downhill cycling trails will be confined to the Cannop Cycle Centre / Sallow Vallets area of the Forest, and the Family Cycling trail (and community links) will be retained largely as it currently is.
New waymarked running trails will be introduced as part of our Active Forests programme.
The trail routes will be designed to take in different Forest habitats and sites of built and cultural heritage which respect and respond to the ‘quiet zones’. The trails will be supported by an interpretation strategy that utilises digital technologies, such as mobile phone apps, so visitors can learn about our natural, cultural and built heritage without reliance on traditional panels.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

Are they planning on reducing trails? It mentions the word ‘confined’ not sure if that removes some of the current trails.

 

[Doomanic]

a new circular Forest Trail to be suitable for walkers and horse riders.

I don't like the sound of this. Permissive trails that exclude mountainbikers.

 

[Doomanic]

Also this;

Many mountain bike riders who ride away from the formal trail network are people from the local community. We accept and tolerate the creation and use of ‘Wild Trails’ as long as they
meet the requirements of our national Wild Trail Policy. We would like to work with wild trail
riders so that there is a greater appreciation of their impact upon wildlife, heritage sites and other woodland users – not with a view to stopping their activity, but to help them shape more optimal routes in less sensitive areas.

 

[OldBean]

This and the growing attendance on group rides would suggest caution when organising “big” attendance rides......small groups dont attract attention ..but the large gatherings might raise eyebrows unless sanctioned by the land owners/managers.
Be careful people we dont want a USA situation.
With that in mind Small gathering at Thetford anybody?
Have fun

 

[fodmtb]

Are they planning on reducing trails? It mentions the word ‘confined’ not sure if that removes some of the current trails.

@Rob Hancill 'confined' is the same as today, so the FC wanting to keep riders within Cannop & Sallow Vallets . Outside the FC will tolerate 'wild trails' (their definition) and hard packed fire roads. All comes back to liability for accidents.

 

[ccrdave]

@Rob Hancill 'confined' is the same as today, so the FC wanting to keep riders within Cannop & Sallow Vallets . Outside the FC will tolerate 'wild trails' (their definition) and hard packed fire roads. All comes back to liability for accidents.

they will tolerate wild trails as long as they are natural, if a trail has man made features constructed for jumps ect they wont tolerate that. as you say its down to liability mainly

 

[Barryjm]

The number of local trails are growing and spreading, so is the number of people using them, this brings attention from the FC and other users, whilst they are great for me I can’t help feel that at some point more control/management will become necessary. Perhaps this is the start!

 

[Jamer]

Looking at No 5 in the list of FC Community commitments which I have pasted below,
I'm not sure the FC will be willing to 'tolerate' a lot of the trails that currently exist, as the 'Wild trail and desire Line Management' document they will want trail builders to adhere to (https://vscg.org/documents/uploads/Wild_Trail__Desire_Line_Management.pdf) state clearly what is not acceptable. recent closures of trails near Lydney and demolition of features may become more common I fear.

5 Promote adherence
to our Wild Trail Policy
for mountain biking, encouraging local riders to increase their understanding and respect for other users and local wildlife