Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl region is a popular National Trust area and as many spots in the South East (esp since Covid times driving more folk outdoors), it has seen an increase in mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The below notice has been posted in the area and although we don’t have all the specifics it is clear a level of curtailing of MTB trail activity is now going to take place.

Seems ironic that the more we all head outdoors to feel safe, protect others we love, as well as to be physically and mentally healthy the more this leads to conflict. A conflict that maybe could be avoidable: if folk were more respectful of the land, each other, and other user groups; and if I'm honest and thinking more nationally than this specific incident if land and government organisations were more progressive and actively involved and the bike industry itself did much more to support legit places to ride.

Mountain biking in England at times feels like it is at best put up with and at second-best condoned reluctantly. In Scotland organisations like Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) and in the US the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) have driven changes at the national level through being politically active and bringing MTB to the forefront with a strong advocacy framework. The national voice in England and Wales is through Open MTB. They are a more recent organisation if you haven’t heard of them but they have been growing in recent years and in time culturally they will help move us from hiding in the shadows to shouting from the rooftops and the hilltops to promote this sport politically. I think personally the national bodies should unite into a UK body for so long as there is a Westminster parliament (power in numbers). Still go check Open MTB out and follow them on social media...there is I reiterate power in numbers and we need to be more.

England does though have long and established brilliant regional MTB bodies be it PMBA, SingletrAction and Bristol Trails Group etc to name a few. I wonder though if Surrey and Hampshire region need more collective organisation and community support.

Each time I read these stories there are specific and very valid reasons why authorities have to get involved and this is no exception. Destroying natural habitats, creating dangerous routes that leave landowners legally liable without permission, and not respecting nature or other user groups is wrong and needs to be addressed. I have enormous empathy with the National Trust here and so don’t read the tone of this article as by no means me pointing fingers at them.

What is happening here in Hindhead though is symptomatic of a growing national problem of conflict between user groups. It may also get worse as we head more to the outdoors as the awareness and need for health both mental and physical grows, finding spots that are safer from airborne viruses and economic restrictions will drive the footfall and wheel fall alike. The more we mix in these areas the more conflict and MTB trails often are the losers. There is a national Mountain Biking debate only just starting in England. I thas a long way to go but now is the time. Green shoots but will only get strong with all our support and active involvement.

Here is the statement posted at Hindhead Common from the National Trust:

“Please tread Lightly!’

Illegal mountain bike trails have been established in this area. It is a criminal offence to create these trails and it is also an offence under the National Trust's Bylaws to ride on these trails. 

Some areas have greatly suffered from soil erosion and compaction due to heavy use by off-road bikes and more of the woodland is given over to mountain bike trails and not wildlife.

We are attempting to stop this activity and over the next few months, you may see some areas closed off where these mountain bike trails are dangerous and the woodland wildlife is suffering. Where needed we will be breaking up the compacted soils to allow plant regeneration.

We are taking these measures to protect the public and for the long-term health of this woodland.

We hope you understand and will help by only cycling on the bridle paths (marked with a blue arrow_ and avoiding areas that are obviously blocked. 

Many thanks for your co-operation. 

National Trust 

Matt lead Cusack 

Hindhead Commons 

Read: 59 times Published: 25/12/2020