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I started running coaching sessions back in August after I was made redundant.
Trying to do everything aboveboard I had approached the FC regarding getting permission to coach on their land when I started, despite several attempts to contact them I had no luck.
I have chased them several times in the intervening months - only to be told they weren't sure who was going to deal with it as they were having a reshuffle of roles.
So today I finally got an email:
We are currently reviewing our permission process in relation to mountain bike providers operating on Forestry England land and are unable to accept any new requests at this time.
I'm unsure how many of the other coaches actually have permission - I know of one club that does.
So where does this leave me?
Have I shot myself in the foot by trying to do the right thing and be upfront with the FC?
Are they generally this unhelpful?
Thanks
Have I shot myself in the foot by trying to do the right thing and be upfront with the FC
Doubtful.
Are they generally this unhelpful
Not sure if you're aware - there's a bit of a nasty bug going about. Short on staff, no-one knows what the f goes on, anywhere. Best bet is probably just to hang around the office and try and have a chat. Maybe even knock on the door. Generally easier when it's face to face. I'm sure it'll work out. 👍
I'd try and contact the office that covers your woods. Be nice, suggest a zoom call first.
The "come back later" will be the generic response. At the moment the impact of covid is likely to mean head office is dispersed, site offices thinly manned, actual on the ground activity probably continuing with minimal impact
It's the Active Forests officer you need to chase first, I'd have thought, though I know some areas have vacancies as I've seen the job adverts.
But anyone running a business on someone else's land, especially if that business has a potential to end up with an expensive injury liability claim, would be very unwise to not get permission first.
Really feel for your position, and I wish you every success with your business.
You could try other non-FC landowners, or look where others coach? In the central South I see a few people coaching at QECP (Hampshire County Council owned) so they may well be receptive, as may other county-park-level land managers for site where bikes are allowed.
I think the B1ke park network also supplies coaches, not sure how it works to join in with them but I guess the private bike park thing could be an option - you might lose some control over what you do and when I suppose.
Thanks.
The email was from the active forest guy.
Disappointed as I've worked my ass of trying to build up a business only to now have to stop.
Not like I can find anywhere else to use locally that isn't FC land.
Whereabouts are you OP? Perhaps someone on here could help with a suggestion/contact?
Based at Cannock.
Cannock Chase already has god knows how many private coaches and guiding ‘companies’.
FE only manage part of it, Council is other main manager. There were some bit of land for sale near Penkridge Bank.
@scruff problem is FC manage all the bits with the trails on though.
I have permission from the council to run kids courses at Marquis Drive visitors centre.
Would be nice if I could find some council land with some drops, jumps etc. to coach on.
Shoal Hill.
Not sure who looks after that.
I believe due to covid all permissions have been suspended for a while. Lots of work dealing with backlogs and getting pre-existing permission agreements up and running again. All back office staff working from home, forest centre based staff dealing with running the business in challenging and uncertain times so no flex for new enquiries. Hang on in there I guess and ask to speak to the Forest Centre Manager for Cannock, the Permissions Officer or the District Recreation Manager for Cannock Area.
Not sure about FC land but on all Common Land there is no public liability against the owners [all Commons are owned]. This was put in place for the Open Access legislation back in 2002. So if you are on Common Land then only you are liable. I have a feeling that there is no FC liability either but they wouldn't want to be associated with a cowboy unit.