Forestry England said it expected the 2028 works to last for six months and it would not be “safe or practical” to keep the bike park trails open during them.<\/p>\n
It said Hamsterley was a “working forest”, providing sustainable, home-grown timber alongside opportunities for recreation and wildlife.<\/p>\n
“Commercial leases across the nation’s forests are evaluated to ensure they continue to meet our objectives and deliver the best experience,” a statement from the organisation read.<\/p>\n
“As leases expire, any future opportunities are considered through Forestry England’s normal procurement processes.”<\/p>\n
Nick McCarthy, from Shotley Bridge, who has been going to the park with his daughter for seven years, said: “It’s become such a regular part of what we do as a father and daughter.<\/p>\n
“It will just create a huge gap in our lives.”<\/p>\n
He said downhill bike trials were “so few and far between”.<\/p>\n
“We’re often talking about how children don’t get out and participate in outdoors activities and we’re going to be it taking away.<\/p>\n
“I just think that’s wrong.”<\/p>\n
Bishop Auckland MP Sam Rushworth, who has written to the Forestry Commission about the “real loss” of the bike trail, said: “Facilities like this are incredibly important to give people something positive to focus on and creates opportunities for them to develop skills, confidence and friendships.”<\/p>\n
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