NEW GRANT SIGNALS GO AHEAD FOR THE EXCITING REDEVELOPMENT OF ONE OF THE LARGEST AREAS OF FOREST IN THE SOUTH EAST FOR SPORT AND HEALTHY LIVING

Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund has given the Forestry Commission a £700,000 grant to redevelop Bedgebury Forest from 850 hectares of timber producing forest to one of the largest, multi-activity outdoor sport and healthy living sites in South East England.

Described by Roger Budden from Tourism South East as ‘One of the most exciting developments in the South East’ the new recreational facilities will include specially surfaced tracks to provide safe, all-ability walking, mountain biking, horse riding and orienteering. One of the many features of the site will be the accessibility for people with disabilities.

The grant, along with substantial funding provided by the Forestry Commission, will enable the construction of a new multi-functional building close to the new lake, all-ability trails through the Forest and provide a new all-ability path network in the Pinetum. The facilities will be open all year round and will be completed in early 2006.

There will be at least 8.5km cycle routes suitable for all abilities and a mountain bike route of c.8km. The routes will include a long, single-track cross-country loop combining existing and new paths and a dedicated Freeride/Bike Park area is planned incorporating built structures and obstacles, designed to challenge a rider's ability and technical skills. The technical trail features will vary in difficulty to enable the bike park to be used by riders of all levels to have fun plus improve their skills. There are few paces that mountain bikers can go in the South East that have the range of riding experiences that Bedgebury will provide. Terry Jennings, Project Director at Bedgebury told us “Bedgebury is aiming to create mountain-biking trails up to Olympic standard. We are currently in discussions with British Cycling and the International Mountain Bike Association to develop state of the art mountain bike trails that are suitable for trialling our athletes of the future”.

There will be c.4km of all ability walking routes promoting healthy living including challenging health walks and calorie mapped trails.

The Forestry Commission will be upgrading and adding up to 12km of horse riding tracks and are working closely with Toll Rides Off-road Trust (TROT) and their French counterparts, Henson Horse Centre to provide dedicated horse riding routes with comprehensive way-marking and maps, secure box park, picnic area, access to disabled toilets and external links to bridleways and accessible routes to generate wonderful trail riding opportunities. This has been partially funded by Interreg.

The grant, along with substantial funding provided by the Forestry Commission, will enable the construction of a new multi-functional building close to the new lake, all-ability trails through the Forest and provide a new all-ability path network in the Pinetum.

Project Manager Terry Jennings said:
‘The combination of the quiet and tranquil Pinetum and the exciting and active Forest will provide a unique visitor experience and the opportunity to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as the chance to learn and have fun in a wonderful outdoor environment.

From spring 2006 both the Pinetum and Forest will share a new car park and new building. The facilities offered will include refreshments, retail, toilets, cycle hire, including disabled cycles, showers, bike wash area, information hub and a class room.

‘The project has been carefully planned to ensure the work being carried out takes into account conservation issues and keeps disruption to Bedgebury’s abundant wildlife and special habitats to a minimum.’

Bedgebury Forest is one of the largest forests in the South East held in single ownership. Formed of 850 hectares of virtually inaccessible woodland, it borders Bedgebury National Pinetum, a visitor attraction and scientifically important collection of conifers. At present the only access to the forest is via a narrow back lane, leading to a forest road without proper car parking. The new facilities will be accessed via a new road and car park which have already been built.

Bedgebury is very grateful for the support of a number of partners incl: Kent County Council, TROT , and the Friends of Bedgebury Pinetum. The Friends will use money already raised to enhance education at Bedgebury and the facilities on the site.

Bedgebury National Pinetum is signposted from the A21 on the Flimwell bypass on the B2079 road to Goudhurst, Kent.

Please Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647 – 01892 521925 or e-mail: caroline@penningtonpr.com  to arrange an interview or request further information or photographs.