Forestry Commission - News - saddle up for national bike week at cannock chase forest

People in Staffordshire and the rest of the West Midlands are being encouraged to saddle up and get active at the Forestry Commission’s Cannock Forest during National Bike Week (14-22 June 2008).

Bike Week is the UK's only annual nationwide campaign to increase participation in organised cycling and to encourage one-time cyclists to return to the road.

Cannock Chase Forest is arguably the premier location for mountain biking in the West Midlands. There are a range of routes on offer to suit both sports and leisure cyclists and bike hire is available at Birches Valley Forest Centre.

The pine forest at Cannock provides a tranquil setting for an afternoon’s family cycle ride and the specially marked paths and cycle trails are carefully planned to guide visitors around the diverse forest terrain.

The leisure route is a series of loops on wide forest tracks. The shortest route is 1 mile (1.6km). People can build up their route to 19 miles (30.4km) taking in the Fairoak Valley and Sherbrook Valley. These routes are suitable for groups of all ages, tandems, trailer bikes and buggies.

The Forestry Commission is running its own campaign - Active Woods - to encourage people to make the most of the opportunities that forests provide for healthy activity.

Jason Maclean, Environment Manager for the Forestry Commission at Cannock, says:

“Forests are great places for cycling and mountain biking. There’s also a fantastic range of health and fitness opportunities on offer at Cannock. It’s a safe area for families to spend their leisure time, whatever their age or ability.

“Woods aren’t only good for the body – they’re good for the mind too. In fact, natural green space boosts people’s wellbeing and morale.”

Swinnerton Cycle Centre is the focal point for cycling on Cannock Chase. The centre is the starting point for cycle routes including the popular ‘Follow the Dog’ technical route, which offers a seven-mile, single-track trail. Thousands of cyclists from across the country have completed the thrilling course since it was opened by the legendary mountain biker Gary Fisher in March 2005.

Cycling maps for Cannock Chase are on sale from Birches Valley Forest Cafe, the office reception and at Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre - all at Birches Valley Forest Centre.

Cycling has seen huge growth over the last 15 years on Forestry Commission land in England. The sustained enhancements to bike trails and cycling facilities have made the activity more accessible for a wide range of people, including families, women and those who are retired.

For more information on cycle hire at Cannock Forest, contact Swinnerton Cycles Forest Centre on 01889 575170 or visit www.bikechase.co.uk.

For more information about mountain biking and other activities at Cannock Chase Forest, log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/cannockforest.

For more information about Bike Week (14-22 June 2006) log on to the website www.bikeweek.org.uk

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Images attached of cyclists in Cannock Forest. Higher resolution versions are available by calling 015394-42436.

2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The West Midlands region covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

3. Active Woods is a national drive being led by the Forestry Commission, to promote the vast range of health and fitness opportunities offered by Britain’s woodlands. Hundreds of events are being organised across the UK, such as welly activity days, den-building competitions and meditation in the woods, reflecting the campaign’s three themes of naturally active, naturally stimulating and naturally relaxing. Many of these activities are free to access and use.

3. The Active Woods campaign aims alert people to the link between trees, woodland and forests and human health and wellbeing. Research has shown that exercising in natural environments reduces stress levels and can speed recovery from illness. For further information on Active Woods go to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods-england

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jason Maclean (Environment Manager) or Rowan Clark (Education Officer) at the Forestry Commission’s Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase on 01889 586593.