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12 May 2005	Read Now

18 January 2005	Read Now

2 November 2004	Read Now

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12 May 2005

Avon Timberland Trail Mountain Bike Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held at 6:30pm

Thursday 12 th May 2005

Ashton Court Visitors Centre

Attendance

Lorne Campbell Forestry Commission Forester

Matt Crook Local Rider and Trail Builder

Anthony De Heveningham Bristol Trails Group

Rob Forrest Bristol University MTB Club

Jeremy Gissop Forestry Commission District Forester

Carl Jones Ashton Court Recreational Ranger

Clive Lovett Bristol University MTB Club (President)

Chris Weedon Projects and Access Officer, Forest of Avon

• Welcome & Introductions

Clive was introduced and welcomed as the new club president for Bristol University .

• Minutes of the last Meeting

Antony confirmed that the Bristol Trails Group now has third party liability insurance cover.

• Ashton Court Update

Most existing trail markers have now been checked and upgraded with yellow high visibility paint and the new figure of eight section is almost completed. There are just a few additional posts to be installed. The group agreed that the markers were much easier to see and a big improvement over the original signs. The quarry section of the trail has now been completed and it seems to be holding up well. Improvements have now begun on the hawthorn scrub section of the route near Beggar Bush Lane . This needs to be completed before Bikefest on the second weekend of June.

Trail building sessions with the Bristol Trails Group are normally the first Saturday of each month - next one Saturday 4 th June. Some local bike shops are offering support to the group and it is hoped that food and drinks can be made available at future events. Chris will add future dates to the FoA website.

• 50-Acre Wood Update

New short link route is now complete and although it is currently quite wide, natural vegetation regrowth and encroachment of the edges should narrow the path after a year or two. The path needs to be signposted for riders who are unfamiliar with the Wood.

A successful site meeting between riders, the Forestry Commission and Forest of Avon in April concluded that future work should concentrate on improving a route that broadly runs around the outside of the Wood starting at the bridlepath and finishing by joining up with the switchbacks. It was agreed that the limited funds available should be used to employ a contractor and machinery to drop off stone and timber at specific remote locations along the Avon Timberland Trail (ATT), so that the Trails Group can undertake work along these sections without the need to transport heavy materials very far. Jeremy confirmed that the Forestry Commission would be happy for the Trails Group to undertake work on the Trail. A Forestry Commission mechanical wheelbarrow could also be made available to the Group or one could be hired with existing funds. Riders were keen to emphasize that the existing Trail should not be widened further.

Before a final circuit is confirmed and agreed it would be helpful for an up-to-date map of trails in 50-Acre Wood to be prepared. Chris will arrange for this and the Forestry Commission can provide a large-scale base map.

Lorne indicated that timber from woodland management operations later in the year could not be used on the ATT because the timber was included in the contract. However, it might be possible to fell some extra trees on site if timber was need for trail edging.

• Any Other Business

A grant submission has now been sent to Timberland to help fund some of the proposals in 50-Acre Wood, pay for new up-to-date trail leaflets and on-site panels and some additional markers for Ashton Court . A decision by the grants panel is expected in about 3 - 4 weeks.

Antony suggested that a boardwalk could be constructed at the Weir Lane exit to 50-Acre Wood which would improve a particularly wet area and add extra variety and interest to the route. He will approach Rocky Mountain Adventures to see if they are able to help with timber provision and construction. Chris confirmed that any support could be recognised on the new leaflets, panels and website. The Forestry Commission would welcome a boardwalk if construction and materials were of an acceptable standard.

Chris questioned whether a trail user survey should be undertaken as indicated in the previous meeting. Antony thought it would be useful to get some wider feedback on the Trail. It was suggested that an easy solution might be to start with trying to get some feedback from the BikeFest riders. Chris / Carl to speak to Cellan and Paul Newman about possibilities.

• Next Meeting

Thursday 8 th September 2005: - 6:30pm

Ashton Court Visitors Centre

18 January 2005

Avon Timberland Trail Mountain Bike Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting held at 6:30pm

Tuesday 18 th January 2005

Ashton Court Visitors Centre

Bristol

Attendance

Lorne Campbell Forestry Commission Forester

Jeremy Gissop Forestry Commission District Forester

Carl Jones Ashton Court Recreational Ranger

Anthony De Heveningham Bristol Trails Group

Chris Weedon Projects and Access Officer, Forest of Avon

Paul Wilkinson Rocky Mountain Adventures

Apologies

Jerry Aaron Mud Dock Cycleworks

Cellan Michael Ashton Court Estate Manager

1. Ashton Court Update

The Bristol Trails Group website ( www.bristoltrailsgroup.com ) is now up and running. The group has been improving sections of the Ashton Court route and there was a good turnout at the last session on Saturday. Marker posts are mostly in good condition along this section and Carl has begun to replace missing discs after painting the tops of the posts yellow to improve clarity.

2. 50-Acre Wood Update

Forestry Commission rangers are continuing monthly checks on the trail in 50-Acre Wood and temporary signs are being maintained at each end of the trail to warn of the difficulties and risks along the route. The Forestry Commission is happy for mountain biking to continue in the wood if solutions can be found to the trail management problems.

3. Timberland Trail Route Questionnaire Results

Carl put questionnaires in a number of mountain bike shops in Bristol and had now collected these which added up to 18 responses. There were also around 30 responses to the website version. The main suggestion was for the quality of the surface to be improved so that the trail could be ridden and enjoyed in all weathers. Although there were also comments on the direction of travel around the Trail it was felt that the number of questionnaire responses and comments about this issue were not substantial enough to justify the cost and effort required to change the direction. Whilst working on the Trail Carl confirmed that in his experience the great majority of bikers were riding the route in the recommended direction.

It was agreed that a users survey should be undertaken later in the Spring to try and gather a wide range of views and monitor trail use.

4. Rocky Mountain Adventures

Paul gave a brief description of his company, Rocky Mountain Adventures, who are sponsoring other Trails in the UK. They can help provide materials for timber structures, e.g. boardwalks as well as help with design, publishing and webcam equipment. In return, they would expect recognition on leaflets, panels and websites and possibly marker posts. The opportunity for additional sponsorship was welcomed by the group although Chris mentioned that there could be conflict issues with Timberland if additional brands were used on marker posts. It was agreed that there might be future possibilities of partnership working on leaflets or timber structures if these are required in the near future.

5. Future Projects and Funding

One of the main priorities is to improve the Avon Timberland Trail in 50-Acre Wood so that initially, there would be at least a good quality short section connecting the bridlepath with Weir Lane, which would reinstate the whole circuit from Ashton Court. It was agreed that the limited money currently available should be targeted here. The Forestry Commission has a small amount of money to be spent by the end of March which could be supplemented by the Timberland Maintenance Fund to make this connection in the Trail.

Tree thinning operations are planned for this autumn which will provide the opportunity for additional trails to be defined for more adventurous mountain bikers if route lines can be agreed with local bikers beforehand. It is likely that additional grant funding will need to be sought to complete and maintain these more technical sections of the route. Chris will arrange a site visit to the Wood so that the Forestry Commission and local mountain bike groups can discuss and mark out potential future routes.

The next section to target in Ashton Court will be the hawthorn scrub section opposite Beggar Bush Lane, which has declined during the winter. It was agreed that some sections would benefit from the addition of a stone base although there are some environmental and practical considerations. Carl will seek agreement with Cellan on this matter.

Carl has prepared drawings to extend the existing ATT route in Ashton Court so that a figure of eight circuit is created in the Estate. This already exists on the ground and only needs to be marked out.

It was also agreed to purchase some new waymarkers and update leaflets and panels once the route connection in 50-Acre Wood is clearer and the Ashton Court circuit is marked out. Chris will make a bid to Timberland.

6. Any Other Business

Anthony mentioned that the Trails Group are looking for additional hand tools because they can currently only use the limited number at Ashton Court. These can only be obtained when Ashton Court staff are supervising which sometimes limits the times when the tools can be used. The Group are currently looking at getting insurance cover which may reduce the supervision required by Ashton Court.

7. Next Meeting

Thursday 12 th May 2005: - 6:30pm

Ashton Court Visitors Centre

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2 November 2004

Avon Timberland Trail Mountain Bike Meeting

6:30pm Tuesday 2nd November 2004
Ashton Court Visitors Centre
Bristol
Present

Jerry Aaron Mud Dock Cycleworks
Mark Burnett Mountain Bike Group Leader
Lorne Campbell Forestry Commission Forester
Matt Crook Mountain Biker and Trail Builder
Will Forest Bristol University Mountain Bike Club
Jeremy Gissop Forestry Commission District Forester
Damon Goldstone Bristol Mountain Bike Club
Carl Jones Ashton Court Recreational Ranger
Anthony De Heveningham Bristol Trails Group
Cellan Michael Ashton Court Estate Manager
Chris Weedon Projects and Access Officer, Forest of Avon

1. Aims of this meeting

CW briefly explained why the meeting had been arranged. The Forest of Avon, Ashton Court and the Forestry Commission had become aware that there were some issues on the Trail and that sections were in a poor condition. There had been very little communication with clubs and riders since the Trail's launch in June 2003 and it was hoped that renewed discussions would help to clarify certain issues and help to agree a way forward for improving the route.

2. Brief History of the Avon Timberland Trail

CW described how the Avon Timberland Trail was created. The idea was conceived by Forest of Avon & Mud dock as far back as 2000 when it was realised that there was a strong need for a formal and promoted mountain bike trail in area. The Trail was also created to help reduce the impact of riders on environmentally sensitive areas such as Summerhouse Plantation in Ashton Court, and Leigh Woods. The proposal was to create a route that would appeal to a wide range of abilities. After a successful Timberland grant bid a project steering group was formed. Phil Lee was appointed in 2002 as a trail designer & supervisor. Local volunteer support was an important part of the project along with additional support from Ashton Court, Forestry Commission, Tarmac and North Somerset Council. The Trail was finally launched at Bristol Bikefest in June 2003 and has been used by a wide range of people since.

3. Mountain biking and the management of Ashton Court Estate and 50 - Acre Wood

JG commented that the Forestry Commission (FC), is happy for mountain bikers to use the established trails in 50-Acre Wood but that his main concern is liability claims. The Forestry Commission has an estimated 3.5 million pounds of claims outstanding nationally from bikers although none from the Avon Timberland Trail (ATT). Regular inspections are needed on trails and a ranger inspects the Trail in 50-Acre Wood at least once a month. With the deterioration of the ATT in the Wood, FC has been erecting signs to warn cyclists about the difficulty of the route. The current literature on the ATT describes the terrain as being appealing to all abilities. This description will have to be reviewed and modified in the New Year to recognise that sections in 50-Acre Wood are more difficult to ride.

CM explained that Ashton Court has to balance the ATT and the popularity of mountain biking with other needs on the Estate. There are a number of ecologically sensitive areas and places where there is potential conflict with other users. Some places have statutory designations and the Estate has a responsibility to protect and conserve these sites. Such areas include the Summerhouse Plantation and the Beech woodlands close to the wall bordering Beggar Bush Lane, the latter being a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The ATT was moved into the hawthorn scrub area to avoid these beech trees. The estate rangers now also undertake regular inspections of the route to ensure that hazards are removed.

4. Current Issues on the Avon Timberland Trail

A number of key issues were discussed around the table and these are listed below:

A key issue for the whole trail is drainage on what for the most part is clay soils - Bristol Mountain Bike Club now often avoid the ATT and go to better drained trails. Ashton Court is looking at viable surfacing options for the Trail which are sensitive to the local environment. Woodchip has been trialed in the hawthorn scrub section of the trail to help soak up surface water. Despite some initial reservations most bikers around the table agreed that this was improving the ridability of the route and could be used at selective locations. Quarry stone can be used for surfacing along sections close to the Quarry and Ashton Court can provide this. DG questioned the use of a voluntary ban along some sections in winter. However, ADH commented that there are mountain bikers who don't have the option of driving to other trails during periods of closure.
One of the key aims of the ATT was to provide a local facility and help reduce car trips to far away places so the preference at the moment is still to strive for a 'year round' trail.

Bikers agreed that in 50-Acre Wood there was too much trail and it was too winding. It was considered that all the bends increase the erosion in places. It was accepted that there were not enough resources to maintain all of existing route. JG confirmed that the Forestry Commission is happy to consider a redesign and shortening of some sections of the Trail in 50-Acre Wood. There is an option of an easier route along the bottom of the wood to make a simple connection between the bridlepath and Weir Lane for less experienced riders. Other sections in the woodland would need to be targeted at experienced mountain bikers. JG reiterated that forestry access tracks could not be a part of any trail redesign.

JA raised the question of 'rogue riding' as one of the reasons for establishing the ATT was to help reduce biking in unauthorised areas. CM commented that riders still used unauthorised routes and that the estate is taking more measures to reduce this now the ATT is available to bikers. These measures include dropping trees in certain locations such as Clarken Combe woodland where downhill racers are creating a safety hazard. MC recommended the use of explanatory notices in certain problem areas and this was generally accepted as a good idea.

The creation of a separate circuit in Ashton Court which would provide a less technically challenging route than the Trail in 50-Acre Wood, was discussed by the group. DG recommended the circuit which is used for the 'Bristol 12' event. AC agreed that this was a viable proposal. It would be relatively straightforward to extend the route in Ashton Court to make this circuit with some minor route improvements and additional signing.

CW asked for feedback on the direction of the existing ATT as he was aware that there seemed to be some differences of opinion regarding this. All of the mountain bike representatives around the table were agreed that along the Beggar Bush Lane section of Ashton Court in particular, it would be better if riders went in the opposite direction i.e. from the hole in the wall to Clifton Lodge. This was acknowledged although CW, JA & CM reiterated that at the time of the development of the original ATT bikers generally appeared to be happy with the current direction. It was agreed that a broader consensus was required on this matter before any future action is considered, (see below).

5. Future Actions

CW acknowledged that here had been little communication with bikers and clubs since the ATT launch and everyone agreed that better communication and joint working was essential for the future.

Bristol Mountain Bike Club agreed to host a survey of local mountain bikers to gather responses relating to the direction of the Trail and the redesign and shortening of the route in 50-Acre Wood. It is anticipated that this can be set up in a couple of weeks and will be open to everyone until the end of December. Future considerations will take into account the results of this survey.

There will be a site visit arranged in 50-Acre Wood early next year to look at options in more detail after the above survey has finished.

Help with trail building and maintenance is greatly appreciated but work sessions need to be pre-arranged and agreed with Ashton Court or the Forestry Commission as land managers are liable for the condition of the trails and any health and safety matters concerned with the route and people working within their boundaries. Trail building sessions should be arranged by contacting Carl Jones - Saturdays are generally good days for Ashton Court. The Bristol University Mountain Bike Club generally prefers Wednesdays.

6. Next Meeting

6:30pm - Tuesday 18th January 2005: Ashton Court Visitors Centre