Unofficial MTB Trails cause trail conflict in Surrey Hills

Mountain bikers have been criticised by Natural England for cutting back trees and building ramps on Ranmore Common near Dorking in Surrey Hills.

According to The Surrey Mirror, which recenty reported that Natural England has criticised the building of unofficial trails on Ranmore Common, near Dorking, Surrey.

The common, which is classed as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, is made up of ancient woodland, some of which is 400 years old, and is being damaged by the new unofficial mountain biking tracks.

According to Natural England – a government advisory body for the protection of nature and landscapes – Ranmore Common is protected for its ancient woodland, which also supports the breeding of woodland birds and plants.

National Trust ranger Jamie Parsons reported the unofficial routes to the Mole Valley Cycling Forum (MVCF) at their meeting on January 26.

A statement from the minutes of the MVCF meeting read: "A number of unofficial MTB (mountain bike) routes had been identified on Ranmore Common which in places pass through ancient woodland and in one instance across an ancient boundary ditch, with the result that Natural England has requested that action is taken."

"It was noted that similar situations have in the past arisen in Redlands Wood and on Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill and the issues have, to a large extent, been mitigated by working with mountain bikers. The Surrey Hills MTB Working Group has taken a lead on this matter.

Read more here: The Surrey Mirror