Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nottinghamshire, is to receive a £300,000 boost to set up a National Centre of Excellence for Off-roading. The Forestry Commission will begin work in the 3,000-acre forest, near Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, this October, and is expected to complete the project in 2009. This is another boost for forest centres in England, long overshadowed by developments in Wales and Scotland.

The forest park is already the East Midland’s biggest venue for off-road sport and family cycling, attracting an estimated 250,000 riders 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.

“The plans aim to create world class sustainable facitilies,” says Recreation Manager for the Forest, Chris Bray. “We have witnessed an astonishing growth in biking in recent years which has made the forest park the pre-eminent venue of its kind.” Chris has been working on MTB trails at Sherwood Pines for many years, marshalling volunteer effort and generally being pivotal to developments.

Plans include three trails, a skills area located close to the visitor centre, a 4.8km family trail, a 9.6km adventure trail and a 9.6km XC trail. Cy Turner of Cotic Bikes has helped with the design of the trails, so you can certainly expect some prime singletrack. Other facilities will include secure bike lockers, picnic areas and shelters along the trails, and clear signage.