BEICIO CYMRU LAUNCHES SURVEY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF BWLCH NANT YR ARIAN AND COED Y BRENIN TRAIL CENTRES

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Since stepping into the role of UK Trails Project Manager, our Dave has been working across all 4 home nations – meeting with riders, trail associations, land managers, bike parks, government officials, community organisations and industry leaders to name a few. He's been busy and we are excited to be able to share some of the outputs of this work.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025

From new initiatives that strengthen relationships between riders and land managers, to projects that support the long-term sustainability of our trail networks.

Through his work in Wales, Dave was able to demonstrate the importance of trail centres not just as tourist destinations, but as focal points for the local communities.

Our Dave has been instrumental in the development and launch today oftwo new surveys by Beico Cymru (formerly Welsh Cycling) to shape the future of BWLCH NANT YR ARIAN AND COED Y BRENIN TRAIL CENTRES.

Data collected by the UK Trails Project Survey evidenced that riders in Wales were the keenest in the UK to be involved in trail maintenance ("I am, or would like to be, involved in trail maintenance": 70% Wales vs 54% UK Average).

The UK Trails Project's Your Trail Report also revealed the need for MTB venues to offer a wide range of trail grades to attract and retain riders to the sport: something he personally valued while living in the area with a young family.

Dave continues to work with partner organisations to create the mechanisms to enable community managed trails across Wales.

Read full press release below.

Dave valuing these trail centres with his young son.

Full Press Release

BEICIO CYMRU LAUNCHES SURVEY TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF BWLCH NANT YR ARIAN AND COED Y BRENIN TRAIL CENTRES

Beicio Cymru has launched a new survey to help shape the future of two of Wales’ most iconic mountain biking destinations — Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin. The initiative will capture the thoughts and needs of local trail users to ensure that future management of these sites reflects the priorities of the community that uses them.

The survey, open from Wednesday 22 October to Wednesday 12 November, forms part of a collaborative project between Beicio Cymru and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) through the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) UK Trails Project (UKTP). The results will inform future management options and help ensure that any proposals for these trail centres are sustainable, community-focused, and aligned with riders’ needs.

“It’s vital that the voices of those who use these trails are heard,” said Caroline Spanton, CEO of Beicio Cymru. “Mountain biking doesn’t exist in isolation — our trails are shared spaces that connect communities, nature, and recreation. This survey is an important step in ensuring understanding and collaboration between all users of the land, so that future plans reflect the shared value these spaces bring.”

Earlier this year, NRW announced changes to the way its visitor centres operate, including plans to transfer the management of cafés, shops, and other facilities. While the trail networks at both Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin will remain open, these changes present an opportunity to explore how the sites can be managed more sustainably in future.

“NRW is working collaboratively with Beicio Cymru (formerly Welsh Cycling) through the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) UK Trails Project (UKTP). This exciting initiative aims to improve the sustainability, security and suitability of the trails network across the country by increasing understanding and collaboration between mountain bikers, land managers and other users of the shared spaces where we ride,” said an NRW spokesperson.

“Bwlch Nant yr Arian and Coed y Brenin have been selected by UK Trails Project as pilot project sites to trial optional industry support available. Beicio Cymru will gather opinion of local users of the mountain bike trails via a survey. The results of this survey will be compiled into a report available to all prospective bidders.”

If bidders wish to submit a proposal that includes mountain biking trail(s), as outlined within the ‘Secondary Scope / Area’, further support is available via UKTP to help shape proposals and identify potential management options that best align with your business model and capabilities. For more information about the project, contact David Evans, DMBinS UK Trails Project Manager, at david.evans@scottishcycling.org.uk.

David Evans, DMBinS UK Trails Project Manager commented:

“As Welsh Government cuts have forced a change in the management of recreation within the NRW Estate, we must ensure these spaces continue to meet the needs of local users and visitors alike. I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to assist Beicio Cymru in capturing local riders’ views and making them available for any prospective leases of these sites to consult while preparing their bids. I would like to invite prospective leaseholders to view the Your Trail Report, and welcome any questions specific to their bid.”

Once the survey closes, Beicio Cymru will publish a report summarising the findings. This report will be publicly available on the Beicio Cymru website by the end of November to support transparency and inform any future proposals for site management.

Beicio Cymru is encouraging all riders, local residents, and visitors who use the trails to share their views.

Complete the survey before Wednesday 12 November to have your say and support the future of mountain biking in Wales.

Survey in English - https://cwd7723dowy.typeform.com/to/jSKhYGAH

Survey in Welsh - https://cwd7723dowy.typeform.com/to/pqYTDycx