Is this the beginning of the end of off piste on the chase?
This appears to be because some Karen complained a few weeks back coz for years they've turned a blind eye.
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As an organisation, Forestry England has supported off-road cycling in many ways for many years through our formal trail network. From simple family trails to international competition-level downhill tracks, our investment has been significant and diverse. Alongside this formal network we know many mountain bikers also seek more challenging or different trails to ride, which has led to an increase in unauthorised trails being built and ridden.
Over the last few months, we have found many new and extended unauthorised trails and features on Cannock Chase. Sadly, some have been built through sensitive wildlife and ecological areas and some formal trails have been tampered with or damaged too.
This is illegal without our consent, and we are taking action to assess and remove the unauthorised trails that are dangerous to forest users or damaging to the environment.
People that build unauthorised trails may also be liable for any harm to those using the trail or where the trail is hazardous to other forest users. The action we are taking on unauthorised trails is led by safety and protecting the environment.
We intend to continue supporting a wide range of cycling at Cannock Chase Forest but need the public’s help too. Help us protect the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation by only cycling on stone-surfaced forest roads and formal waymarked trails. When we have to spend our valuable resources on removing user-built trails and features, then we have less to invest in other facilities including bike trails. We are appealing to our biking visitors to act responsibly and to support us as we work to benefit nature, the economy and you, our visitors.
If you are digging and building unauthorised trails, part of a group that is, or you are just riding them, please stop. If you see any particularly dangerous or damaging activity, please let us know with as much detail as you can so we can act swiftly.