Previous trail building days have developed Barry Knows Best (BKB) into an environmentally sustainable trail, this, the third day of trail building in recent months, focussed on improving the rider experience and making sections of the trail flow better.

The berm after the final bridle way crossing was re-shaped by one of the two groups of trail builders. Redlands Trails has monitored how riders use the berm. As result the berm has been widened, strengthened and given a flat top which riders can chose to ride along.

A second group of builder, including three London based riders who broke their ride to help out, improved the trail prior to the ramp jump just before the bridle way crossing.

Diggers have re-shaped the trail, moving it up the hill to give riders a better entry to the ramp. This should result in a better jump over the ramp!

Recent experience has shown that ‘covering our tracks’ improves the look of the trail and reduces the possibility of other users of the area noticing work has been done and complaining because they mis-understand that the work improves the environment. Cleaning peat and mulch off the trail and improving drainage does mean we move a lot mud, foliage and peat down the hillside and it can look like a cross between a building site and a bomb blast. Covering this with dead bracken, which is currently carpeting the hills, returns the area to its original natural beauty and will help propagate new plant growth. Good-looking trails are more fun to ride and keep the walkers and horse riders happy as well!

Redlands Trails will next be building on April 11. Details will be placed on this website soon.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 16 March 2005 )