Haldon Forest to get new 7km Mountain Bike Trail

The Forestry Commission has begun a tender process to find a company to build the new off road cycling trail at Haldon Forest Park, near Exeter. Last year the Forestry Commission received £282,000 in funding from Devon County Council and £98,000 from Devon Renaissance to build the 7km trail, which will greatly improve the park's off road cycling offering. The funding was also for a new café, which will open at Easter. The trail has been designed by experienced trail consultant Dafydd Davis. It is to be built to his very detailed specifications and Dafydd will work closely with the successful company on the project. He says: "The trails are going to be built to a very exact specification and the successful company will need to work closely with me on this. I am looking forward to seeing my designs come into fruition and when completed the trail will vastly improve the off-road cycling facilities at Haldon Forest Park." Louise Bell, Manager of Haldon Forest Park adds: "Haldon Forest Park is continuing to go from strength to strength and we are really pleased to be developing the new cycling trail. 70% of our visitors come to the park to cycle and the new trail will really enhance their experience. We want to encourage as many people as possible to get out and about in the forest and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits it provides. "While the trail is being built, it is extremely important that people do not cycle on it. This is important for their own safety but also as it would compromise the trail. We would ask people to be patient and wait until the trail is finished before they ride on it – we are sure it will be worth the wait! People can check our website at www.forestry.gov.uk/haldonforestpark for information on how the build is developing."