Singletrack Magazine MTB Podcast

Singletrack Magazine MTB Podcast


Best UK Trail Stewardship Initiative – The Finalists

October 14, 2021

We’re revealing the Finalists in each of the Singletrack Reader Awards 2021 categories. Thanks to all of you for your nominations, and to our awards sponsors, Kona Bicycles. Here’s who made the cut for the Best UK Trail Stewardship Initiative.

This award is about the trails we ride. Which initiative has got people out to maintain trails, learn building skills, and help create sustainable and legitimate trails? Is it a dig crew, a community project, or even a trail centre that’s got people picking up a shovel in the name of future fun?

Dean Trail Volunteers

Dean Trail Volunteers keep the trails running at the Forest of Dean, an incredibly busy trail network. With huge pressures on demand for trails, the Dean Trail Volunteers have helped harness the enthusiasm of new trail builders by bringing them together with experienced trail builders to learn about appropriate construction methods and sustainable trail building. They’ve also successfully fundraised using a variety of innovative methods, and have used the funds to rebuild the Launchpad trail – a popular downhill trail that is especially significant due to being one of a very few that is accessible by adaptive bikes.

Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association

Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association have had such an impact that even their local MP took the time to write in and nominate them. Working with the Council and local community groups, they’ve helped broaden the Council’s traditional focus on utility cycling to take in mountain bike trails. As well as trail development, they’ve also helped new riders explore the area, offering bike maintenance sessions and guided rides, as well as creating a Stalybridge Cycle Hub where riders can access a range of useful information to help them on their way.

Tweed Valley Trails Association

Tweed Valley Trails Association has helped take the Tweed Valley from being a great riding spot to an internationally recognised destination. As well as getting people out to repair trails, they’ve gone big on policy and admin – all the boring stuff that’s extra hard to do – to develop methods of working with local land owners and trail builders that are forming the basis for good practice working methods for the mountain bike community across the UK and beyond. All that admin hasn’t stopped them getting out on the trails however – their trail adoption program has seen key Golfie trails being revamped, plus they’re building a much improved access route up to the top, to replace the notorious root infested bog that previously marked the way.

To help you learn more about these three great finalists, we’ve got this podcast for you, featuring and interview with a representative from each of them. Thanks go to all those who have worked with these trail groups – and others – for keeping the trails we enjoy in tip top shape.

It’s all down to you, the public, to decide who wins each category – there’s no funny business or back room cheques. So enjoy our coverage of the finalists, and be sure to vote for your favourites. Voting will open on 18th October, and close on 1st November.