I asked to run a one-off club ride through a local community-owned woodland and they are worried about it "setting a precedent" so now I have to draft a written proposal, appear before the committee, etc.
Are there any documents out there from similar cases that can help me identify what fears/objections there might be and how I can best counter them?
I can't think of any credible objections, and I've got what I think are good answers to less credible objections, but obviously I'm coming at it from a different angle.
Contact some cycling organizations; CTC, IMBA, etc.
Your circumstances remind me of a similar case in Hexham a few years ago;
Basically, a local wood had been used to build unofficial jumps and trails and a group put proposals forward for the council to make them official and even provide funding?
Anyway, here is a link to a document that may be of use;
[url= http://www.hexhamcommunity.net/media/part%202%20cycle%20hubs.pdf ]Dukehouse Wood Hexham[/url]
I'm not sure how it turned out for them, maybe a local can shed some light?
Don't want to sound negative but you have mentioned a very credible reason to object. Setting a precedent.
I assume that as you are asking the woodland isn't currently ridden in. If that is the case any landowner who doesn't want bikes will be worried about allowing permissive riding.
Bear in mind that its hard to stop people riding independently and that the MTB world has proved itself very selfish in this respect.
Bloody good luck. 😛 I would suggest that providing copies of your clubs membership of a governing body and their insurance provision may be useful. It does help the worriers feel a touch more reassured.
Good to bone up on woodland plants & wildlife and show how you would deal with those issues. Also conflict with other users.
Thanks guys, that all looks very useful!