A BIGGER BUILD

Chase Trails’ Big Build Day saw a huge turnout on Sunday March 1st enabling vital hand built sections of the 8km singletrack extension of the Follow the Dog trail to be undertaken.

Chase Trails, the volunteer group steering the trail development at the Forestry Commission’s Cannnock Forest site organised the day to encourage new and existing members to pick up a spade and help out. An on-site barbecue lunch rewarded the volunteers for all their hard work and effort, while experts were on hand throughout the day to advise volunteers on trail building technique and safe working practises.

The volunteers have enabled the trail development to make huge strides in a short space of time bringing the project closer to the Summer 2009 completion date, hand building complex sections and features and bridging machine built stretches.

As the work on the trail moves on, users can expect to see the introduction of new signage and way markers in the area which will provide important information and steer riders towards trail areas suitable for their ability levels.

Wider changes and improvements to existing trails will help more people of all ages and abilities to get active and develop a healthier lifestyle through cycling. For families there will be an easier green route with blue and red routes suitable for enthusiasts. The Cannock Forest site offers leisure, cross-country and downhill riding surrounded by stunning scenery so there really is something for everyone to get involved and enjoy the outdoors on a bike!

Giant are sponsoring the new trail, will be officially opened to the public in summer 2009 over the next three years and the project will help safeguard six existing jobs.

New Build Day dates will be announced by the Forestry Commission & Chase Trails shortly with the events becoming a regular feature.

For more information about Chase Trails and for anyone interested in supporting the project visit www.chasetrails.co.uk

For more information about recreational facilities at Cannock Forest visit www.forestry.gov.uk/cannockforest