A pioneering new activity forest in Devon looks set to change the way families enjoy a day out in the woods.

A major grant from Sport England has enabled the Forestry Commission to turn the 3500-acre Haldon Forest on a high ridge on the outskirts of Exeter into a pioneering outdoor activity centre for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The newly-built trail infrastructure provides more than 20 miles of safe, traffic-free cycling, walking, horse-riding and adventure play trails.

From gentle strolls through butterfly woods to adrenaline-charged downhill mountain bike runs to open stretches for galloping horse rides, Haldon Forest Park is no ordinary walk in the woods!

Haldon Forest Park officially opens in April, with its sister site at Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent opening in May. Home to the National Pinetum and 2000 acres of forest, Bedgebury has also received major funding from Sport England and the Forestry Commission to create a new visitor centre and trails for cycling, walking, riding, play and orienteering.

The forest parks represent a new generation of outdoor activity provision by the Forestry Commission as part of its Active Woods campaign.

At Haldon, families with young children can embark on the new Play Trail where they’ll encounter giant wooden musical instruments, innovative climbing structures and creative play equipment - including a giant throne for story telling, dens to hide in and material to build their own.

Ian Lynch, Haldon Forest Park project manager, hopes that the new play trail will draw families out of their houses and into the great outdoors. He says:

“Forests are superb places for adventure play and this equipment adds an extra dimension to this natural playground. Dozens of local families have already discovered the play trail, and they say it’s fantastic!”

Or why not bring your bikes along and enjoy a ride? From leisurely routes through forest glades to trail-blazing, single-track runs down steep wooded valleys, the new cycling routes at Haldon Forest Park offer hours of fun for families and thrill-seekers alike.

The Family Cycling Trail is the least challenging route, which follows a line around the contours on the top of the ridge taking in magnificent views. The Adventure Cycling Trail is a second loop that takes riders on a more rugged surface down into the forest, and Haldon Forest Park’s Freer Ride area offers two adrenaline-charged, single-track trails – one Cross Country and the other a Free Ride riddled with timber structures, jumps and drops.

The cycle trails have been designed by Mike Tearle, recreation engineer for Forestry Civil Engineering. He’s been an off-road mountain bike enthusiast for nearly 20 years, so he’s clearly the best man for the job!

“With so many different trails to try out it offers a completely different cycling experience from what people are used to, away from the dangers of traffic and in the fresh air of Haldon Forest.”

Those seeking encounters with Haldon’s thriving wildlife can opt for The Butterfly Walk, with its managed population of rare butterflies, including the pearl-bordered fritillary, or they can head for the Birds of Prey Observation Point to see whether they can spot the buzzards. The forest also has a rare population of nightjars, mysterious ground-dwelling birds with a haunting song. And there are a multitude of other paths, tracks and forest roads that visitors can explore at their leisure.

Haldon Forest Park officially opens on April 15, but most of the trails are already in use. The park is open during daylight hours and entry is free. For more information, visit www.haldonforestpark.org.uk or call 01392 834251.

For information about Bedgebury go to www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury


Notes to Editors:

1. Haldon Forest Park is on the outskirts of Exeter, just off the A38 at Exeter Racecourse. Follow the brown signs for ‘Forest Park’.

2. The 1400-hectare site is being developed by the Forestry Commission in conjunction with Sport England as part of the Active England programme.

3. The development includes a 20-mile infrastructure of safe, off-road trails for walking, cycling and horse riding, enhanced by play equipment, sensory interpretation, seating and signage. A new car park and toilets have also been built, and a dedicated team are creating a programme of exciting, family-oriented events throughout 2006 and beyond. This forms an integral part of the Forestry Commission’s ‘Active Woods’ campaign.

4. This development has been made possible with the award of £760,000 from the Active England lottery distribution fund, managed by Sport England.

5. The site is also home to the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World, which has a programme of international and local exhibitions.

For media inquires please contact Haldon Forest Park Project Manager Ian Lynch on 01392 832262 or email: ian.lynch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk