The BCC operates a 30 acre forest site within the Longleat estate which we call the Allotment.

The name was chosen because we wanted to convey the way we look at building; our ethos is not too dissimilar from that of the supermarket rebels who grow their own produce: We like to consume locally produced whenever possible, even better if produced with our own hands, and the joy of seeing a creation of ours mature is genuinely satisfying. Sure you can be limited and it’s not always plain sailing; swarms of pests are just as troublesome (if a little bigger than in the world of the garden allotment), but growing your own (tracks or veg) is about as good as it gets.

The allotment boundaries are shown in the map below (simply click the image to enlarge) .

This allotment is defined by three fire tracks and a deer enclosure fence that together make up the land boundaries. The allotment is a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees of various densities on undulating terrain with many soil types. There is a natural spring that leads into a stream and a wealth of wildlife to enjoy.

The allotment is part of a working forest and so will be thinned for timber periodically; this will reduce the tree density by approx 60% but is essential to maintain the health of the forest in the long term.

See the felling phases map below for details (simply click the image to enlarge).

A detailed site development plan is currently being produced and will be published on this website shortly, however the club’s intentions are to create a range of IMBA standard trails to satisfy all disciplines and abilities. The allotment drops a total of 71m and is suited to both DH and XC trail building along with plenty of scope for dirt jumps and a natural trials area.

Access to the allotment is strictly limited to members of the Black Canon Collective but all are welcome to join.