A new network of purpose-built mountain bike trails is being developed in Whippendell Wood, located in Watford, just northeast of London. The 165-acre forest is an ancient, beautiful area that “has been continuously wooded since at least 1600,” according to Wikipedia.
Whippendell Wood was used as a filming location for the planet Naboo in Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace, released in 1999. Now, local residents will soon be able to ride (legal) mountain bike trails through this iconic landscape.
The Watford Borough Council is building what it claims to be the “UK’s first council-led semi-urban mountain bike trail” in conjunction with Bike Park Chilterns CIC. The new trail development “will cater to riders of all levels, featuring purpose-built elements such as flowing berms, progressive jumps, and technical descents,” according to Watford.gov.uk. Maps shared online show two top-to-bottom runs, with a third trail splitting off about halfway down the hillside.
The Wood is located within the London commuter belt, making it one of the few natural areas so close to this major metropolis. Whippendell has long been home to mountain bike trails, and despite boasting a series of large dirt jumps, all of the trails were illegal. According to an article published in the Watford Observer, the illegal trails were dismantled in 2021.
The new trail development is intended to meet the obvious demand for mountain biking in the region, and to do so in a way that protects the natural environment. Whippendell Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and since it “is enjoyed by thousands of people each year, […] to make it a healthy woodland, it needs to be managed sensitively to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations,” said Peter Taylor, Mayor of Watford.
The new trails are being built in a different area of the park, which isn’t as environmentally sensitive as where the illegal trails had been constructed. In fact, a section of land leased by the West Herts Golf Club has been returned to the Woodland, which is making this new trail development possible.
“With the ever-increasing popularity of mountain biking, this new trail area will contribute to the vibrant outdoor recreation scene in Watford,” said Taylor. “The addition of purpose-built trails and jumps will provide a unique and challenging experience for riders, where they can also enjoy the natural surroundings of Whippendell Wood.”
The trails will be accessible from downtown Watford via a short pedal on a paved bike path through an adjacent park. “By providing a dedicated space for mountain biking enthusiasts, it will promote healthy and active lifestyles,” said Councillor Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Streets and Parks.
The new trails are under construction and are slated to open in fall 2025.
0 Comments