Concerns About the Construction of Bike Runs in Poland Woods

Poland Woods is a small section of woodland alongside the bridleway, having crossed the river by the Bowls Club from Court Lodge going towards Betchworth, which is owned by the Poland Trust.  

About 70 years ago Sidney Michael Poland lived where Poland House is now (behind the Bowls Club) and when he died he left his land and some money to the village community.  The money was invested and is still used to build and run homes for people in the village.  Mr Poland also wanted the land to be used by local people.  Some is used for the Bowls Club, the rest for walks picnics by the river, near the pill box, and Poland Woods for walks and enjoyment.  Young and old people of the village have long used the woods and the footpath along the top which also gives access to the woods from Kiln Lane.  

As the Poland Trust owns the land we (Trustees of the Poland Trust) have a duty of care for the safety of anyone using the area.  We walk through the area frequently to check for problems.  

At the beginning of this Summer a few jumps were dug by bikers and several of the Trustees spoke to children seen at the time to explain that the woods were for walkers and it could become dangerous if they continued.  Where the excavations had disturbed tree roots we paid a landscaper to fill the soil back in to protect the trees.  The Trustees cannot approve of bikes being used in the woods or the footpath along the top.  Bikes can be used on bridleways but they are not legally permitted on public footpaths.  

The creation of jumps and rides has continued and although this has obviously provided great fun for riders it has now reached a serious level of construction, suggesting the involvement of older people than those we spoke to in the initial ground work.  The constructions are destroying the habitat of the forest floor, excavating the root systems of ancient trees and there have also been fires lit which are not permitted.  As Trustees we must be aware to balance the element of fun and access to the area against potential hazards.  We are extremely worried that if the excavations are allowed to continue innocent walkers and even the bikers themselves could come to serious harm.  We are reluctant to exclude people from responsible use of the area but the time has come where we must now ask those digging to stop.  

The fencing along the bridleway will now have to be extended to deter bikers racing down the slope that has been created and potentially crashing into people walking on the path and the larger excavations and obstructions will be flattened.  All this is not because we don’t want people to have fun but is for public safety, to keep walkers safe against potential risks as well as the bikers themselves.  Carrying out these works will place extra demand on the charity’s limited funds, which are then not available for us to use to help people with more urgent and pressing need in the community.  We hope that greater understanding of the issues involved will receive general support from the community and if you or any of your friends have been part of this please understand why we must now ask you to stop.  

Published by the Trustees for the Poland Trust, September 2026