Cycling codes of conduct

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The Wildlife Habitat

Swinley Forest is part of a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive for four rare birds; the Woodlark, Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Hobby. The breeding areas for these ground nesting birds are protected sites and are to be avoided between late February and end of August. Potential nesting sites are areas of recently felled plantation, young plantation up to five years old, gorse, open heath and heather. Please respect the sensitivity of these areas by staying on established paths and keep noise to a minimum.

Riding in Swinley Forest

• Keep to the hard tracks at all times.
• Do not ride through open woodland, where there are no tracks.
• Do not ride through heather, open heathland or young plantations.
• Do not ride over banks or ditches as they may be scheduled monuments.
• Caesar's Camp is strictly out of bounds.
• If you wish to ride harder single track, follow the red posts to the mountain bike area.
• Keep to marked tracks within the mountain bike area.

Mountain Bike Code of Conduct

• Always wear a correctly fitted helmet.
• Carry a mobile phone.
• Ensure your bike is safe and maintained.
• Keep brakes adjusted, they work better and make less noise.
• Stop to the side to allow horses to pass as they are easily spooked.
• Take care when passing walkers especially with dogs.
• Display lights after dark.
• Tell someone where you are going.
• Carry identification in case of emergencies.

The Country Code

• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
• Leave all gates as you found them.
• Keep dogs under close control.
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
• Take your litter home.
• Make no unnecessary noise.
• Keep off timber stacks.
• Observe all signs and keep clear of forest operations.
• Respect the forest.