trail stewardship
Ilkley Moor holds significant environmental value as a unique upland heathland ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna, including heather, bilberry, and important bird species like the red grouse, golden plover, lapwing and curlew. Its peat-rich soil also plays a crucial role in carbon storage and water regulation. Over time, Ilkley Moor has evolved from a working landscape used for grazing and quarrying into a cherished recreational area.
The trail network that graces itself across this moorland is a huge part of the charm that Ilkley Moor holds. As cycling grows worldwide and the way we ride mountain bikes shifts to become more inclusive of more terrain and types of trail, we feel we need to give 'our bit’ back not only for cyclists, but for all users of the trails that we love.
The moorland
Trail advocacy
Repair and restoration
We repair and restore the trails that are shared by MTB users. Our approach here is to keep single track, single and stop trails getting too wide through poor design or lack of maintenance. Reinforcing corners and braking zones is crucial to stopping erosion or trail creep - At the same time we can have a positive effect on slowing the speed down by better trail design in areas where needed. We will endeavour to keep trail width down to a minimum through maintenance, repair and restoration - therefore reducing a trail’s overall footprint on the landscape.
water management
IMTC have in depth knowledge of the trails on the Moors. Collectively we ride them weekly, year round and can identify the problem areas as far as water is concerned. Our continued goal is take water off the trail in key problem areas and into the surrounding lower lying areas where it can soak back into ground. Avoiding draining into streams and other water sources is key. We will always aim to build drainage into the trails in a way that doesn’t change the look, feel or useability of trail for any user. The recent drainage bars by NZN are not the correct approach here.
bracken management
IMTC will help manage bracken on key trails and areas of the Moors. This has benefit for the safety of the trail with opening up sightlines for the safety of other users and mountain bikers. By reducing the bracken through strimming and crushing, we’ll be able to control bracken overtime and allow other species of fawn and fauna to establish and thrive - adding to the Moorlands diverse ecology.
speed and safety
We will continue to manage trail safety as best as possible. It is crucial that we are keeping sightlines open in the spring/summers months by strimming bracken on certain areas of trail. Identifying high speed sections of trail and blind corners and working to manage speed in these areas through trail features and design. And implementing better signage aimed at riders on junctions and/or trailheads where necessary.
trail recovery
Trails under BDMC and IMTC stewardship
ENGAGEMENT
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Community
We aim to build a strong, connected community around Ilkley Moor’s trails. Bringing together people who share a passion for the outdoors, fostering collaboration, education, and a collective voice to protect and improve the trails.
Creating community is key and plays a huge role in raising awareness about responsible trail use, organising trail work parties, and representing the interests of all trail users.
We are a community driven, collective of people who are here to ‘give back’ and have fun doing it.