Ambitious plans for the biggest ever investment in new mountain bike facilities in Sherwood Pines Forest Park have been unveiled today.
The Forestry Commission is to undertake a ?300,000 scheme to create a National Centre of Excellence for Off-roading in the 3,000-acre beauty spot, near Clipstone, Nottinghamshire.

Funding of L147,500 has been secured for the project from the Alliance SSP programme. Work will start in early October and will be completed in 2009.
The forest park is already the East Midland’s biggest venue for off-road sport and family cycling, attracting an estimated 250,000 bikers every year.  But many existing trails use forest roads. The new network will be built specifically for bikers, offering a thrilling experience for enthusiasts of all abilities, while also reducing possible conflicts with other forest users.   
Recreation Manager Chris Bray said: “We have witnessed an astonishing growth in biking in recent years which has made the forest park the pre-eminent venue of its kind.  But this project will allow us to gear up and offer truly world class and sustainable facilities.  That will produce major spin-offs.  Encouraging people to stay longer in the area will provide a boost for local businesses. We’ll also take the pressure off existing routes which are also used by walkers and horseriders by catering separately for bikers.  And not least of all, we will open up new opportunities for healthy recreation as part of our Active Woods campaign.”
Three new trails will be built as part of the project.  They include a six mile cross country route traversing the forest, an adventure trail of similar length taking riders deep into the historic wood and a three mile surfaced family cycle route.  Elsewhere, a skills loop near the visitor centre will give bikers chance to polish their technique and a new bike park will offer more challenging jumps and turns for accomplished off-roaders.  Other facilities will include secure bike lockers,  picnic areas and shelters along the trails and improved interpretation and signage. Local biker Cy Turner, who runs Cotic Bikes in Nottingham, has helped in the design of the new routes.
Forest chiefs also plan to improve biodiversity along trail corridors by thinning trees, while strengthening the protection and tourism potential of archaeological sites, including the remains of a First World War training camp in the forest.
Notes to editor
Active Woods is a national drive, being led by the Forestry Commission, to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain's woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK reflecting the campaign's three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing.  For more visit  www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england
For more details on the Alliance SSP programme go to http://www.alliancessp.co.uk/