Forestry Commission - News - mountain bikers celebrate new aberdeen trail

Forestry Commission Scotland hosted an open day to celebrate the opening of its new mountain biking "fun park" in Kirkhill Forest, Aberdeen, on Tuesday 8th March 2005.

The new track is about half a mile long, and is intended to be the forerunner of a trails network totalling 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) that will be developed in the forest over the next two years.

The fun park begins with an easy uphill ride through mature conifer forest to an open area, from where the descent back to the start takes the rider through classic mountain biking features such as jumps, "doubles", berms, switchbacks and others.

Kincardine Forest District community ranger Dan Cadle explained,

"We decided to begin the trail centre with the fun park because it gives riders a great facility to ride on while we press on with building the rest of the trails over the next couple of years.

"The fun park is designed for people to perfect their skills before they head out on to the more serious stuff.

"It's only five miles from Aberdeen City centre, which means it has already proved popular, with about 2000 users in its first month.

"We've had lots of great comments from riders, and in the next couple of months we plan to establish a 'user group' of riders who can advise us on aspects of the trail's management."

As well as local riders enjoying the fun park at Tuesday's open day, there will be Forestry Commission Scotland staff available to answer questions and give advice, and NHS Grampian's physical health co-ordinator will be on hand to talk about the health benefits of enjoying recreation in forests as part of the Commission's Active Woods campaign.

Kirkhill Forest is on the A96 at Tyrebagger, about one mile north of the airport roundabout. Media representatives are asked to let Dan Cadle know in advance that they will be attending, and report on site to him. His telephone numbers are 01330 844537 and 07979 022956 (mobile).

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive's forestry department. It manages 656,000 hectares of national forest lands owned by Scottish Ministers for multiple benefits, including timber production, nature conservation and public recreation; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy.
The Forestry Commission is Britain's leading provider of challenging mountain biking trails. Trails on national forest land in Scotland include the Witch's Trail in Leanachan Forest, near Fort William, Laggan Wolftrax in Strathmashie Forest, near Laggan in Strathspey & Badenoch, and seven trails across the south of Scotland, known as the 7Stanes, which have achieved international renown. In addition it has just received European Union funding to upgrade an existing, volunteer-built trail in Learnie Forest on the Black Isle, near Inverness, and another informal network of trails in national forests at Fochabers in Morayshire is being improved and extended. The Commission also manages a number of nationally important trails in Wales.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Charlton Clark, FC Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507; mobile 07810 181067;
Dan Cadle, Kincardine Forest District, 01330 844537; mobile 07979 022956.