A group of 147 volunteers from the Forest of Dean has been honored with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for their significant contributions to the local mountain biking community.
The Dean Trail Volunteers (DTV) focus on building, maintaining, and enhancing mountain biking trails in the area. Their efforts are closely linked to the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, which is recognized as one of the top mountain biking destinations in the UK, featuring 18 trails.
This prestigious award highlights DTV’s dedication to creating world-class trails that attract cyclists of all skill levels. Their work also promotes community engagement and provides economic benefits to the Forest of Dean. The region has a rich history in mountain biking and has produced several world champions, including Charlie Hatton, who was crowned the 2023 UCI Downhill World Champion.
DTV plays a crucial role in executing a five-year master plan in partnership with Forestry England. This plan aims to develop sustainable and accessible trails across 516 hectares. The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre draws approximately 300,000 visitors annually from around the globe. Being recognized with this award is a significant achievement for the volunteers, as DTV is one of the leading trail volunteer groups in the UK working in formal partnership with Forestry England.
Kevin Stannard, Deputy Surveyor for the Forest of Dean at Forestry England, praised DTV’s efforts. He stated, “Dean Trail Volunteers have been pivotal to the success of the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. Their dedication goes beyond trail maintenance; they have built a genuine community that connects volunteers and visitors with the Forest, its wildlife, and its history.”
Katy Curd, a British rider and four-time World Champion, also commended DTV for their hard work. As the founder of Katy Curd Coaching and Team GB’s Mountain Biking Tech Coach for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she emphasized DTV’s impact on cycling in the region.
Curd remarked, “Without DTV, we wouldn’t have the fantastic trail network that supports not only my coaching business but also British Cycling’s Olympic program. They’ve created a safe environment for people to progress in mountain biking and a welcoming community for volunteers from all backgrounds.”
This recognition underscores the vital role that volunteers play in enhancing outdoor activities and fostering community spirit in the Forest of Dean.
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