Forestry England is reporting a busy few weekends following the opening of Pedal and Play, a brand-new mountain bike play trail at Sherwood Pines. Built to help children, families, and beginner riders develop the skills and confidence needed for offroad cycling, the new facility has been designed to be as inclusive as possible, including trail widths, gradients and features suitable for adaptive or non-standard cycles, accessible seating and play features that make sure all children feel welcome and included, regardless of any additional needs they may have.
As well as encouraging more people to come and benefit from physical activity outside in nature, Forestry England hopes this network of mini-trails will help riders develop a life-long love of forests and help them to progress to the longer Robin Hood Adventure Trail and wider mountain bike network found at Sherwood Pines.
Delivered by Forestry England, supported by targeted funding from UK Government to improve access to nature, Pedal and Play offers three main riding challenges, each crafted to help cyclists gradually develop technical skills:
- Arrowhead Loop Challenge – A playful introduction to trail features, helping riders learn cornering, tackle berms and turns, and ride rollers with growing confidence.
- Quiver Challenge – A progressive skills zone with four different line options, enabling riders to explore varied terrain and refine their technique.
- Duel Challenge – Two parallel lines that invite friends and families to race sidebyside and put their new abilities to the test.
- Alongside these loops, the new activity hub features a cycle themed play area, following Forestry England’s inclusive play principles to ensure all children feel welcome and able to join in the fun.
Forest Centre Manager Neil Barnes said:
“As a keen mountain biker myself, I’m passionate about getting kids out into the fresh air and experiencing how great it feels to ride through the forest. Pedal and Play gives people who are new to offroad biking the chance to develop real skills – while having fun – and we’re really proud that young riders with additional needs should be able to enjoy the trail just as freely as anyone else.”
Programme Manager Sarah Walker, who oversaw the project, added:
“The Pedal and Play concept has seen success across several Forestry England sites, including Cannock Chase Forest, where it was originally inspired by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games mountain biking events which were hosted in the forest. Sherwood Pines’ upgraded and expanded facility enables young people in Nottinghamshire to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that offroad cycling can offer.”
Trail Information
Location: Sherwood Pines, Kings Clipstone, Nottingham NG21 9JL
Trail Grade: Green (suitable for beginners and novice cyclists)
Trail Length: Approx. 2 km
Cost to ride: Free (parking charges apply) booking not necessary.
For more information about Pedal and Play, visit the official trail page:
https://www.forestryengland.uk/sherwood-pines/pedal-and-play-trail
Posted on 23 March 2026
