Aug 05, 2024 BY Luke Rees
Great news! An exciting evolution of BikePark Wales in the Brecon Beacons has been given the green light. What is arguably the best British MTB is getting even better! Don your full facer, drop your seat and ensure your suspension is activated as we’re heading downhill, fast!
BikePark Wales is widely regarded as one the best downhill mountain biking destinations on the planet. Located in the heart of Brecon Beacons next to the town of Merthyr Tydfil, easily accessible from the M4 and A470. Providing a thrilling experience for riders of all levels, the park is a huge draw for British, and international riders.
BikePark Wales, along with Natural Resources Wales have announced stunning plans to transform 400 acres of Welsh mountainside. Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since first breaking trails in 2013.
But a 33-year lease is an unprecedented step forward for both parties. It will see revenue from visiting mountain bikers invested in a Future Forest Vision that will see the vast majority of BPW’s mountain return to its natural state.
The rewilding plan will see the site change in the coming decades. The commercial forestry management will change to promote biodiversity gains, improves the resilience of the forest and encourages the return of more ancient semi-natural woodland.
This lease also ensures that BikePark Wales will remain home to the UK’s best-known trails for decades to come. Plus new trails will be added and visitors can now stay overnight at the site.
The park’s currently has 46 mountain bike specific trails, visitor centre, woodland café, bike hire and bike shop. But the new agreement adds planning permission for nine climbing trails, 27 downhill trails, seven linking trails, and two new skills areas.
There’s also a bigger visitor area and sustainable mountain biking accommodation in the form of glamping pods and chalets. All of this means that what is arguably already the best British MTB is getting even better!
Martin Astley for BikePark Wales says: “Our mountain is without a doubt a stunning area, and we already have a diverse range of broadleaf trees here on our mountain. But there is also a lot of monoculture pine forest in South Wales, the result of decades of commercial forestry.
The new lease changes the entire site of BPW, and aside from the mountain bike trails through the forest, we will be encouraging and assisting the forest to return to a more natural state with our colleagues at NRW. Because of the trails, this isn’t classic ‘rewilding’ but it’s as close as we can get, and the trails will allow riders to go deep into our wilderness.
What is exciting is that no one has seen what the more natural state of these hills really looks like for a couple of centuries. And now we’ll get to find out”.
Astley continues; “Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new lease is the opportunity to work with NRW in a unique collaboration which includes turning parts of BikePark Wales into a seed bank for other potential sites across the country. And some of the income generated by visiting riders being funnelled into a “Future Forest Vision” plan.”
Astley is excited about what the future holds. “The Future Forest Vision includes creating an arboretum, where we can let Cathedral trees reach maturity, and we can improve the health and resilience of the forest by having a more diverse mix of woodland. There are flooding and water management advantages, and fire and disease benefits too.
But these are just a few of the things we know about already, what is most exciting is the unknown and I look forward to finding out what secrets this project will unlock. And in addition, we can create new jobs and prosperity, boost biodiversity and create a more natural environment, as well as capturing large amounts of carbon in the forest. This really is a great example of how diversification can be positive in so many ways”.
Elsie Grace, Head of Sustainable Commercial Development for NRW, said; “We are delighted that our successful relationship with BikePark Wales is set to continue. This partnership demonstrates how the NRW-managed estate can successfully combine commercial activity which benefits the Welsh economy and is sympathetic to the environment. This plan will develop innovative forest management techniques to support the longevity of the mature forest cover, which benefits the biking experience in the forest.”
Grace continues; “In addition to the health and wellbeing benefits of mountain biking for riders of all ages and abilities, the continued success of BikePark Wales has boosted the local economy and provided much-needed jobs for the surrounding area and links with local schools have provided recreational and educational opportunities for young people.”
What do you think? Are you excited about the evolution of BikePark Wales? Is the best British MTB getting even better?Where will you be going on your next mountain biking holidays? Let us know in the comments below!
Find out more about BikePark Wales here: www.bikeparkwales.com
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