Forestry Commission - News - first mountain bike ranger for tweed valley

The famous mountain bike trails in the Tweed Valley Forest Park are to be kept in tip-top condition thanks to a new mountain bike ranger for the area.

Andy Wardman fought off stiff competition to become the first full-time bike ranger to be employed by Forestry Commission Scotland.

Andy is no stranger to the trails at Glentress, because he works part-time in the forest's Hub cafe and has already been very active in working on the trails in a professional and voluntary basis. Being a very keen biker, he regularly enters mountain bike races in the Borders, and beyond, and is usually up there amongst the leading riders.

Andy said.

"I'm well chuffed with the job and hope to make a real difference in keeping the trails in great condition. It is not often that you can find a job which is also part and parcel of your number one passion in life, so I'm feeling quite lucky at the moment."

Andy will be working on the trails developed as part of the 7stanes mountain bike initiative which is creating seven biking centres right across the south of Scotland.

Alex Maclennan, Forestry Commission Scotland's Borders recreation manager, added:

"Mountain biking in the Tweed Valley Forest Park is getting a huge reputation and we need to make sure every visitor gets a quality time. We feel it is important that we have an experienced mountain biker constantly checking the trails and helping other bikers who need assistance. With the continual increase of visitors coming to ride the trails, we are very pleased that Andy is joining us to keep the trails in first-class condition. "

For more information on the 7stanes mountain bike project log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk.

Media enquiries to Alex Maclennan, Scottish Borders Forest District, 01750 721120 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland, 0131 314 6508.