Black Canon Collective

Category: Woodland Renaissance

  • An inspiring day

    Just back from London, been a really long 24hrs but has been very productive. My experience of public transport was tainted first by a crafty bus driver who decided it’d be funny to tell me to take a bus that definitely didn’t go where I’d expected and the fact that I spent most of my journey to earls court this morning running after the 171 bus until enough people had got off it to let me on.  When finally there I was greeted by tea and biscuits and lots of people from the MTB world – I however was a panting mess. 

    The conference was great with some fantastic speakers and lots to learn for even the most experienced delegates who, like me, looked hypnotised throughout. 

    I’ll give a full write up over the next few days but will try and capture the main messages here and now…

    It seems that the key topics were sustainability of both the physical trails, supporting infrastructure and human input. It is essential that this topic is addressed by lots of planning and foresight. Another topic was accessibility of the sport, and how retaining this element is critical to its success and ultimately its survival. This was illustrated by the fact that the vast majority of mountain bike owners don’t mountain bike, yet most probably would if suitably trails were built with them in mind, as has been proved by various case studies. Attracting these inexperienced novices into the sport is the fastest and most effective method of building it’s strength. Finally the issue of impact, and ultimately a reminder that despite the best of intentions trail projects can result in very negative impact to the surrounding area in terms of physical impact but also and social and economic. And lots lots more; all of which can be related to what we’re doing in some way.  

    I was lucky enough to speak to Ian Warby (CTC), Dafydd Davies MBE (world renowned trail builder and consultant) and Paul Hawkins (Forestry & woodland renaissance), and have learnt a fantastic amount as a result. I am pleased to say that Paul Hawkins was just as enthusiastic to meet and discus our proposal of a Longleat trail development as we are. Paul was really friendly and has inspired me to work even harder for this as there is so much potential especially when you look at the bigger picture of potentially linking such a trail with sustrans networks etc (he also said that he’d seen our website and really liked it!).  

    I must admit to being too tired to get my thoughts down clearly but I promise to give a full write up soon.

    My eyes have been opened to what is possible and sights set higher as a result – today has been a great day.

     

  • Great news!

    Earlier today I spoke with Paul Grugeon and am pleased to say that he is very keen to learn some more about what help is on offer from the woodland renaissance and what can be achieved if we all work together.

    So with all parties showing interest we’re in good shape for a meeting in a months time. 

  • Woodland Renaissance

    “The South West Woodland Renaissance Partnership vision is to regenerate woodland and forestry in the South West for the benefit of the economy, society and the environment. Through the Woodland Renaissance Scheme the Partnership aims to inspire and sustain investment in woodlands, timber processing and all associated goods and services.”

    When not winning the 4X races or eating pudding Neil has an uncanny ability of making very interesting and valuable contacts.  The most recent of which was Chris Revill from Bath and North East Somerset Council who Neil met at the recent Bath BMX and 4X comp, they got to talking and Chris gave Neil the contact of Paul Hawkins from the South West Woodland Renaissance Partnership. Now from the very beginning we have made it clear to the Longleat estate that we feel the area would greatly benefit from a purpose built family MTB trail, Longleat have expressed an interest in this but were keen to see how things turned out with the BCC and the allotment before jumping in. What’s exiting about the woodland renaissance is that one of their focal points will be funding bicycle trails and supporting infrastructure in woodland areas!

    Although the partnership is not active for another month I’m already very excited about getting talks going and seeing what we can all achieve. There is great potential for some fantastic trails at longleat and with the many local riders and thousands of visitors I’m confident that there’s a market for such a development.

    Importantly the woodland renaissance are able to help with the initial stages of conducting a full feasibility study – something that is essential if any project is to succeed – and the first step needed before we get too carried away. The partnership is set up to deal with landowners rather than clubs and so it is important to realise that this effort would be for the benefit of the whole area rather than just the club, but we are dedicated to developing local mountain biking and although just a dream at the moment the prospect of a free and permanent set of trails in longleat woods is an incredibly exciting one.

    I spoke to the partnership on Friday and explained our aims, existing relationship with the estate and the location. They’ve stated that they are very eager to begin talks and will contact us in a month time when they are fully operational. In the mean time I’ll speak to Paul Grugeon on Monday to get the ball rolling, lets see what happens……