Volunteers to look after 50 miles of cycle routes

A charity responsible for the upkeep of the Surrey Hills is encouraging cyclists to "pedal with purpose" to look after more than 50 miles of off-road bike routes.

Surrey Hills Society is launching a campaign to encourage cyclists to litter pick and waymark routes near Puttenham, Elstead, Thursley, Frensham and the Devil's Punch Bowl.

The campaign, coinciding with Bike Week from 9 to 15 June, aims to recruit volunteers to maintain the off-road, looping routes.

Kate Bannister, volunteer coordinator for the society, said the work would "go a long way to ensuring more people can explore the countryside, while also helping in our conservation efforts by keeping riders on the right path".

Surrey Hills Society said the routes, which are largely off-road or on quiet country roads, stretched for 55 miles across the region.

Volunteers would cycle the routes and report issues including fallen trees, flooding and erosion.

Ms Bannister added that the roles were designed to be flexible to fit volunteers' schedules.

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills National Landscape Director, said: "One of the overwhelming bits of feedback we received in our recent management plan survey was the importance Surrey residents put on both conservation and access to the Surrey Hills.

"This volunteering opportunity is great example of balancing both aspects, and we look forward to sharing our commitment to enhancing visitor experiences whilst making space for nature with our passionate volunteers."

Volunteers can register for the role on the Surrey Hills Society website.

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