There’s just three months until a brand new trail at Cannock Forest is revealed, but organisers are calling for volunteers to help get it finished in time.

On Sunday 3 January 2010, from 10am until 4pm, volunteers will be encouraged to help complete the final sections of the new mountain bike trail at Cannock Forest. 

The ‘Big Build Day’ is being arranged by Chase Trails volunteers.  Experts will be on hand to offer guidance and instruction on trail building and safe working practices, so no experience is necessary. A barbecue lunch and refreshments will also be provided to satisfy all those healthy appetites.

Rob Lamb from Chase Trails, says: “The progress we’ve made has been incredible and in January we’ll be starting work on the final section of trail that will link the new trail to our existing trail network. It’s a really exciting time as we approach our Easter launch date.”

People interested in volunteering for the Big Build Day should meet at Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, Birches Valley, Cannock Chase. Tools are provided, but if you have a favourite spade, feel free to bring it along. Sturdy footwear and suitable outdoor clothing is also advised. 

The new bike trail is part of a £200,000 project to improve the visitor facilities at the Forestry Commission’s Cannock Forest and will involve developing some new look features added to existing routes.  Cross-country, downhill and leisure trails will all benefit from the revamp.

Jason Maclean, Environment Manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock Forest, says: “The January Big Build Day is a great opportunity for people to get outdoors and get active after Christmas by helping to build the final sections of the trail and keeping us on track for our Easter launch date.”

The Project is being steered into action with the help of the Chase Trails volunteer group, cycle manufacturer – Giant UK, Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre, Staffordshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme, Staffordshire County Council, the Sport England Community Investment Fund and the Forestry Commission.

Chase Trails volunteers and partners have raised over £60,000 for the project, £28,000 of which came from the Staffordshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme.  Sport England’s West Midlands Regional Sports Board (RSB) recently awarded the initiative £130,800 from the National Lottery funded Community Investment Fund. 

For more information on cycle hire at Cannock Forest, contact Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre on 01889 575170 or visit www.bikechase.co.uk or find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/cannockforest.