Swinley Forest Cycling Permit Scheme

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Why do you need a permit?

There are three main reasons why you need a cycling permit:

  • Swinley Forest is private land and is not owned by the Royal Household, Local Authority or Forestry Commission.
  • Swinley Forest is part of a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive for four species of rare birds. This directive gives far reaching powers over the suitablility of activities that take place in the forest.
  • To provide Public Liability insurance cover, which this cycle permit gives you.

The Crown Estate has a duty to demonstrate a proper management of all forest and leisure activities. To ensure that cycling is a suitable activity, a permit scheme must be in place to control cycling and inform riders of their responsibilites. Gorrick, as an agent of The Crown Estate, is solely licensed to manage The Swinley Forest Cycle Permit Scheme and distribute annual permits to cycle in Swinley Forest.

Where can they be bought?

Permits are available online, by post from Gorrick, or can be purchased at the listed local mountain bike shops. They are great value and can be bought as an annual permit or a half-year permit after 1st October. Both are valid until the 31st March.

BUY ONLINE

Pay for Annual or Day Permits online at MBSA.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM

Print the Permit Application and send it with payment to:

The Permit Secretary, MBSA
PO BOX 1150, Sandhurst, Berks GU47 0WP

BUY AT THE LOOK OUT

Go to The Look Out and buy an Annual Permit at the Bike Hire Centre
which is open over Easter and at Weekends.

Or buy a Day Permit from The Look Out Discovery Centre reception.

BIKE SHOPS

Buy an Annual Permit over the counter at the following mountain bike shops:

Cycle Hire at The Look Out (01344 772797)
Mountain Trax, Unit 1, Barkham Grange, Barkham Street, Barkham (0118 976 1130)
Cyclezone, 212 Dukes Ride, Crowthorne (01344 773015)
Pedal On, 60 Bishopswood Road, Tadley (0118 982 1021)
Wellington Trek, 5 Station Parade, Sunningdale (01344 874611)

The Permit band should be fitted around the head tube of your bike, where it can easily be seen. The Rangers and Cycle Wardens will be checking, so make sure the band is visible and on your bike at all times when in Swinley Forest. Mountain Bikers and The Crown Estate enjoy an excellent working relationship developed over a number of years, please help to maintain this by following the cycling code of conduct.

Your questions answered

Where does my money go?

  • The greater portion pays for the £5 million Public Liability insurance cover, which is a requirement set by the Crown Estate.
  • To the Crown Estate for the general upkeep of the amenities of the woods; tracks, fences, signs etc. and to pay for the rangers.
  • On administration of the scheme.
  • Signage within the forest.
  • Any surplus funds are ploughed back into maintaining the excellent singletrack.

Why do I need insurance?

  • The Public Liability insurance covers you if you are involved in a collision with a member of the public. Please note that your household insurance does not cover you. If you do not have a permit you are trespassing.

Why are Gorrick running the scheme?

  • Gorrick has a long established relationship with The Crown Estate formed through organising cycling events in Swinley Forest.

Constructing drainage channels and laying a hard wearing surface
Trail maintenance is performed during the winter months,
here we're constructing drainage channels and laying
a hard wearing surface on The Full Nine Yards