Young people from Stakeford are being introduced to the excitement of mountain biking thanks to a new initiative from the 7stanes project.

Staff from 7stanes are working with young people who wouldn’t normally access the forest and giving them the chance to try mountain biking for the first time.

In collaboration with the Dumfries NHS Health Improvement team, a youth project from Stakeford has become the first group to take part.

Youngsters aged 11-15 spent two sessions biking through Mabie forest on the world-famous 7stanes trails, with bikes and skills training provided by the 7stanes team.

Managed by Forestry Commission Scotland and a range of public bodies, the Euro funded 7stanes project is developing seven purpose-built mountain bike centres across the south of Scotland and aims to encourage more people to try the sport.

Veronica Hunter, leader of the Stakeford Youth Group, says the taster sessions were a huge hit with the group’s youngsters.

She explained: “The idea came from the kids themselves who were bored and had nothing to do and no funds to do it with.

“This left them hanging about the streets, which created antisocial behaviour issues.

“They were keen to try mountain biking so we got together with the NHS and the 7stanes team to organise taster sessions.

“As well as promoting physical activity, the sessions also got them out into the forest, which they had never done before.

“The kids have all given positive feedback so we will be looking at other ways of promoting a healthier lifestyle in the future.”

Mountain biking is just one of the activities being promoted in forests across Scotland as part of the Commission’s Active Woods campaign to encourage more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests.

Following the success of these first sessions, the 7stanes team are hoping to expand the project and work with youth groups from other areas across Dumfries and Galloway.

Julie Cartner, 7stanes lead co-ordinator, explained: “Mountain biking is a fantastic sport and young people get a real buzz from it.

“We teamed up with the NHS to work with Stakeford Youth Group because we wanted to target people who wouldn’t normally consider coming out to the forest and trying the sport.

“Not everyone has a bike at home and a lot of people don’t realise there are trails for beginners as well as experienced bikers.

“The young people from Stakeford had a fantastic time and seemed to really enjoy being out in the forest, many of them for the first time.”

Tina Gibson from NHS Dumfries added: “Through our contact with the youth group it became clear that some of the young people can experience difficulty in accessing the forest.

“Working with 7 Stanes has provided an ideal opportunity to let these kids try out a new activity.”

A local mountain biking club runs regular taster sessions for all ages at Mabie Forest and Drumlanrig on Thursday nights, when beginners can come along and try the sport out.

Bikes are available to hire on the night and qualified instructors (funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council) are on hand to show those new to the sport the ropes.

For more information on mountain biking in Dumfries and Galloway, see the 7stanes website – www.7stanes.gov.uk

Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign aims to help improve the nation's health and well-being by encouraging more people to enjoy activities in Scotland’s national woods and forests.

For more information about the Forestry Commission Scotland’s Active Woods campaign log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods or telephone 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

Ends.

PHOTOCALL INFORMATION

Where: Media should report to the main car park at Mabie Forest (on the road to New Abbey), Dumfries.

When: The taster session starts at 3pm on Thursday (August 10) and media are requested to report to the car park for 2.55pm.

Photo Opportunity: Youngsters from the Stakeford Youth Group will be biking on the 7stanes trails in Mabie Forest.

Contact: The on-site contact is Julie Cartner (07771 678 903).



NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Executive’s forestry department and is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Scotland. Each year, around 20 million people visit its forests and woodlands which cover over 17% of Scotland’s land mass – an amazing natural resource to explore.
2. The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland

with partners Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, Dumfries &
Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Enterprise
Borders, Scottish Borders Council, Solway Heritage, Scottish Power and
Visit Scotland. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has also been
supporting the project. The project receives half of its funding from Europe.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6507

Julie Cartner, 7stanes lead co-ordinator – 01387 272 440