Bristol bike charity seeking help for Ashton Court trail repairs

The mountain bike trails are all accessible via the National Cycle Network and easily reached from the centre of Bristol

A charity which maintains Bristol's off-road mountain bike trails says it "urgently needs more volunteers".

Ride Bristol is urging people to come along to a Big Spring Dig to renovate a section of Ashton Court's Nova Trail this weekend.

A 1km stretch has eroded, exposing rocks and creating potholes.

"We're appealing for people not to leave it to the last minute, and sign up in advance," said charity trustee, Jamie Edwards.

"Without volunteers, we just can't do the work to keep these trails alive.

"It is such an important facility for Bristol because it's free and almost anyone can use it," he added.

Volunteers are needed to help repair a 1km section of the Nova Trail in Ashton Court

The trails, which also cover 50 Acre Wood and Leigh Woods, are all accessible via the National Cycle Network (NCN) and easily reached from the city centre.

The Nova Trail is a four-mile loop through Ashton Court and has multiple features to challenge riders.

"I think it's probably the most centrally-located mountain bike network in the UK," said Mr Edwards.

The mountain bike trails at Ashton Court are suitable for riders of all abilities and are open all year round, in all weather conditions.

The three-day Big Spring Dig runs from 19 April and, for the first time, the charity is inviting under 18s to volunteer on Sunday.

Mr Edwards said: "It's really good for young people; it teaches them really valuable skills and gets them involved in things that hopefully they'll stick with for the rest of their lives."

Every year the charity, Ride Bristol, holds a Big Dig to encourage the cycling community to get involved in helping repair the trail network