Stoke Park Bike Jumps

Overview

A set of unauthorised bike jumps in a run following a hill from top to bottom, of approximately 100m, has been constructed in an area of beech in the central part of the wood.  The Forestry Commission, the mountain bike riders and the local residents are currently involved in a discussion about how best to move forward with the situation.  This is about to enter a phase of public consultation which will aim to provide a way forward with either removal of the facility OR self external management of the site.  Additional excavations to the main site are also being made which are being dealt with by FC resources and not part of this consultation.

Stoke Park wood is situated one mile east of the railway town of Eastleigh and sits on a plateau one mile to the west of Fair Oak village.  The wood is owned by the Forestry Commission and consists of approximately 90Ha of mixed woodland featuring mature beech, larch and Douglas fir and recently planted oak, cherry and ash.  The wood is managed on a continuous cover silviculture basis and provides a local and sustainable timber resource to local industry as well as providing an important woodland habitat for both flora and fauna.

Due to its proximity to the town of Eastleigh and the villages of Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Colden Common, the wood is very popular with local residents for activities such as dog walking, walking and general fitness and exercise.

The Forestry Commission works to achieve balanced management objectives in and around the wood.  In addition to forest management and sustainable timber production this has been achieved through various recreation projects such as Sense and Motion which started with a consultation in 2010.  This project helped to design and install all ability trails, forest interpretation signs and natural play equipment into the wood for the enjoyment of forest users and local community groups.

Why your views matter

We are asking for your views to ensure that we achieve an appropriate balance of objectives in managing recreational activities in Stoke Park Woods.

We will be guided by feedback gathered via this consultation on whether the forest users feel the facility is suitable and wanted in this particular area . At this stage the options are either removing the bike jumps OR working alongside a representative group to help manage the facility as a wild biking trail. Following this stakeholder consultation, the future of the bike jump facility will be decided and progressed accordingly.

With this in mind, to help us gauge public opinion on the cycling provision in Stoke Park, we would be grateful if you would complete the survey below. 

If you require a hard copy of the survey to complete offline or guidance to complete the questionnaire, please contact Zoe Cox or call 023 8028 6849

What happens next

This consultation is now closed. We are currently analysing the results. These will help us in determining the future management of the site."