Mountain bikes and wildlife don't mix

“So the new proposed trail does not run uphill from the valley bottom to the maximum height below Wrigleys then back downhill … far more downhill than 2 of the current trails that run down to Plym from Cann. The gradients are far steeper and the resulting short cuts the bikers will make will be far steeper and make for a very dangerous adventure off the Blue trails.

Anyone not believe me, go have a look, the truth is there, despite what lies the bikers will tell you.

The damage that can be found in the "Expert" area of Cann Woods is so extreme there is hardly and ground left undisturbed. Once again don't believe me, take a walk up using my directions below. You will soon see who is correct. This will happen in PBW just the same as the bikers have been stopped twice already. The first time in Mainstone Woods after smashing bottles along the walkers path (leaving their bike track clear) to deter dog walkers from access. ( a lit of glass is still there if you want to see for yourselves)”

“Ignorance? Dont make me laugh. All we come up against as pro-trail is ignorance and blinkered visioned individuals who are keen to protect 'there woods'.
Take Freedomforus ignorance for example, time and again Cann has been brought up. ''They've already got a track, they're just greedy'' etc, etc. And the reply is always the same, Cann is largly downhill trails, for skilled, better equipped bikes. Completly differant for what is proposed in the woods, which is blue graded and ideal for novices and familys etc..

And the lack of ground vegitation and fauna in Cann, look no further than the forrestry work carried out there.

Also managed to dig out a study by a botanist who was researching effects certain users have on trails and tracks. In his studies, and more by other experts before him, it was found that walkers and bikes have relativly the same impact on 'damaging' plants and moving sediment. Only variation being on sloped trails, where slightly more pressure is applied by a foot that that of a tyre, and also a footstep would stretch and tear plants and vegitation, where as a tyre tended to crush and flatten as it rolled over.......... Thats it in a nutshell.”

“swsshaun...you speak from complete ignorance,of course mbt's will disrupt the flora and fauna far more than people's feet will;and it is most certainly fragile.
MBT not wanted.”

“Anyone doubting BJ Connell's words should just take a stroll in Cann Woods. Walk up above the Quarry (where the Peregrines nest) to the top of the hill and start following the trail down again glancing slightly left until you arrive at the signposted area dedicated for MBT people. Then try counting the plethora of MBT trails there, I'll guarantee you will lose count. Then add at least 3 trails that lead back down to Plym Bridge Woods and all in all there is more than enough trails that exist already.

Why they need a silly extra 4km is beyond me, except for pure greed.

Ancient Natural Woodland and bikes are totally incompatible. Want proof walk round Cann woods see the utter devastation to Flora.

Cann Woods are a perfect place for bikes, and that is where they should stay.”

“Give it a rest. Want to protect fauna and wildlife, shut the woods completly. It is ancient but it is not fragile. Its survived years of adaption, if it can survive industry a mere cycle path will cause no harm.

To show your support;
http://tinyurl.com/cpde6xn”

“Hi I agree we need to protect this precious woodland”

“BJ is, as per many of Ainslie's disciples, reactionary and poorly informed. The 'ancient' woodland referred to was until 80 years or so ago a field network.

It is indeed the human interaction in the valley that makes it such a fascinating site; the railway, quarries, tramway, leats, commercial forestry and new housing developments (Wood Park) shape the place. Many wildlife tours in Australia are undertaken by bike as it provides the quietist and least disturbing way to view the wildlife, I wonder if BJ let's the dog off the lead?

It seems that BJ probably doesn't spend a great deal of time on site, my experience is that the vast majority of users get on perfectly well - it is only a shame that Ainslie and his zealots continue to behave so poorly.

It strikes me that BJ needs to recalibrate, a project providing access to a wider group of people to an amazing local asset can only be a good thing, yes it's a busy spot but if you actually know the place you realise how much space there is - unless you are a small minded selfish individual...”

“I love that you say the mountainbikers are never content with the paths provided, and then go on to say how you are 'one person who walks off the main paths' - double standards?

Mountain biking is a great way to explore the outdoors and the woods, it should be encouraged and not held back by people such as yourself.”

“Small percentage of users? Harm? Intrusion?. Not compatible? Bikes of all varieties have used the woods for years. Never really been an issue.

The really good thing is, if the trail is built or not, moutain bikes will forever be present in and around the Plym Valley. All the moaning, wild statements and factless arguments you can throw will not keep them out. And this makes me smile everytime i read a letter or email like above.

And by the way, you can drag all the logs and branches you want accross paths, they can be a fun challenge. i draw the line at coiled barbed wire though, i hope this was accidently left on a track but i cant see that.... Think of the wildlife.”