COMMUNITY DRIVEn
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 landscape and Urban Common of Special Scientific Interest that’s also used recreationally.
The trail network that graces itself across this moorland is a huge part of the charm that Ilkley Moor holds for walkers, runners and cyclists alike. 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. 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.
Bracken Managment
We 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 & Safety
We will continue to manage trail safety as best as possible. It is crucial that we are keeping sightlines open in the spring/summer months by managing the bracken growth 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.
Water management
We 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 to 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 usability of trail for any user.
trail recovery
In the summer months, we will identify certain trails that we allow to recover and regenerate by not managing the bracken growth on them. This is an effective natural trail closure method in the summer to limit traffic and allow trail recovery where needed.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We will continue to engage and strengthen our community communications to ensure that mountain bikers are aware of our shared trail use etiquette and the importance of Ilkley Moor’s ecology and environmental status whilst balancing recreation.
Community is key and we’re proud to have helped build a solid community around bikes in the local area.
overview
minimise erosion and environmental impact.
Reduce long-term maintenance requirements.
Provide consistent and safe riding experiences in various conditions.
Accommodate multiple user groups across the trails.
Preserve natural resources and habitats.
Create more enjoyable and engaging riding experiences that has positive community engagement surrounding them .
BDMC and IMTC to keep in touch regularly with trail updates.
We are a communication link between mountain bikers, other trail users, BMDC, and all other user and interested groups. We represent the voice for the local mountain bike community here in the Wharfe Valley and other users who find charm in the same slithers of single track that we do. We endeavour to:
Our Mission
Provide a communication link between mountain bikers, trail users, BDMC and other user groups.
To continue our efforts around trail restoration and maintenance on the shared trails where bikes have an impact.
Promote positive use of the local trail network with a ‘share with care’ ethos in mind.
Promote sustainable trail use and etiquette to help increase awareness and reduce impact around the sensitive areas and ecology of Ilkley Moor.
Provide a communication link between mountain bikers, trail users, BDMC and other user groups.
To continue our efforts around trail restoration and maintenance on the shared trails where bikes have an impact.
Promote positive use of the local trail network with a ‘share with care’ ethos in mind.
Promote sustainable trail use and etiquette to help increase awareness and reduce impact around the sensitive areas and ecology of Ilkley Moor.
JOIN THE COLLECTIVE
& Get Involved
ANNUAL membership
Join the Ilkley Moor Trail Collective for up to date information around the trails, events and ways to get involved with us and help give back to the trails on Ilkley Moor.
Signing up is the best way to keep in the loop and support what we do and the annual fee really helps us cover our running costs annually.
By becoming a member or donating towards the Ilkley Moor Trail Collective, you are helping us keep the trails we love in good shape. Your support goes far and means we can:
COVER OUR WEBSITE COSTS. BUY NEW TOOLS AND MATERIALS FOR TRAIL WORK. UPDATE AND INSTALL BETTER TRAIL SIGNAGE WHERE NEEDED. CONTINUE TO FURTHER OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH.
LIFER membership
Join the Ilkley Moor Trail Collective for LIFE and get up to date information around the trails, events and ways to get involved with us and help give back to the trails on Ilkley Moor.
Signing up is the best way to keep in the loop and support what we do and the annual fee really helps us cover our running costs annually.