Rangers & volunteers dig deep to repair flood damage in Kielder

Record rainfall has damaged one of the most iconic mountain bike routes in Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland - but thanks to swift action repairs have been completed in double quick time.

The Forestry Commission report that flood water cascading down 2,000 foot Deadwater Fell last week badly damaged 100 metres of the black rated Deadwater Trail, opened by Steve Cram in 2007, carving craters up to three foot deep.

However, rangers linked up with north east staff from telecoms company, BT, who were on a corporate team building day, to transport 15 tonnes of stone and rock to the near summit to fill in the pot-marked route allowing it to re-open after just six days off-limits.

Alex MacLennan, Forestry Commission Public Affairs Manager for the North East, said:

"Staff who have worked in Kielder for 30 years say they have never seen flood water like this on Deadwater. Overall the forest drainage system has worked remarkably well, but the damage to a forest road which over spilled onto the Deadwater Trail was very serious. Fortunately everyone pulled together, including BT volunteers, who were already slated to help us build a new trail section in Kielder, but who switched tasks to provide crucial help in reinstating the damaged route."

All biking trails in Kielder Water & Forest Park are currently useable - a tribute to their all-weather design and construction.

Details on bike routes at Kielder can be found at www.visitkielder.com