Forestry England reveals plan to expand forest cycle network

A “ONCE in a generation” plan to link and improve the New Forest’s cycle network has been revealed.

The scheme, developed by Forestry England in conjunction with the New Forest Cycle Working Group and other local organisations, will see existing walking routes and paths opened up to cyclists and new routes developed.

Under plans, unveiled at a meeting of the Verderers’ Court, the revised network will be introduced in phases, starting with routes on gravel tracks that are already used by large forestry vehicles. Others requiring surface improvements would be added in the next stage.

Supporting documents reveal that some new links would need additional approvals from outside bodies and “significant work” would be needed before they could be added to the cycle network. However, FE said the inclusion of all planned paths would be important to the integrity and usability of the network.

Speaking at the Verderers’ Court, Forestry England’s deputy surveyor for the New Forest Craig Harrison said the proposals had come about in a bid to address the “fundamental” and “widely debated” issue of how cycling should be managed on crown lands.

Describing the existing New Forest cycle network as “hard to navigate and disconnected”, Mr Harrison said: “Many routes simply don’t make sense and do not connect to the key routes in and out of the forest. As a result, people simply get lost or end up creating more effective routes of their own, often using apps that do this for them.

“Others simply choose to bypass the network completely,” he added.

The meeting heard that as a sustainable mode of transport, cycling can benefit public health and the environment by reducing traffic on the roads.

Mr Harrison revealed that a working party comprising representatives from the verderers, Cycle Working Group – whose members are made up of local and national cycle organisations, cycle businesses, local sustainable travel groups and those with environmental concerns – Forestry England, and the New Forest National Park Authority had been meeting since 2022 to work on the plan.

Mr Harrison continued: “A great deal of work and commitment has been put in by all those parties to find a shared solution. Robust discussions from all have created a more rounded understanding of the issues and helped to shape this proposal.”

Most of the new routes will be on existing gravel tracks that can be used without the need for additional work. A few will need some degree of upgrading and assessment of their impact on designated sites.

The first of the routes are expected to be introduced in 2025, and it is anticipated the most complex will be achieved by 2030.

Mr Harrison said: “The effect of the proposal on commoning, and protection of the designated sites of the New Forest has been central at all times. Input and advice from the joint working group has been vital in this process.”

Along with the improvement and expansion of the Forest’s cycle network, work will be done to improve the digital mapping of off-road cycle routes, the way marking system of signage, and paper mapping to avoid people getting lost. A revised New Forest Cycle Guide that aligns with the New Forest Code will also be produced.

As part of the plan, volunteer cycle ambassadors will be recruited from local cycling groups to patrol the Forest on bikes offering information on where and how to cycle in the national park, as well as providing updates on any problems with the network.

Cyclists will be encouraged to stick to the revised network of paths in order to protect the special qualities of the national park. This message will also be promoted by Forestry England and the national park authority.

Mr Harrison added: “This proposal represents a once in a generation opportunity, involving all stakeholders, to improve adherence to the network and enhance the off-road cycling experience in the New Forest.

“It provides an effective way to increase understanding of the need and how to preserve the special qualities of the New Forest, and we believe it will result in real benefits for the Forest and all those who use it.”