Mid-year update from the team
Arena Jumps Open for Action
The new Arena Jumps opened in early July and have quickly become a popular addition to the forest. Riders are enjoying the three lines: a green with rollers/mini tables, a blue with easy take-offs and wider tables, and a black line with steeper take-offs for serious airtime. We’ll be monitoring and tweaking the transitions to ensure they meet specifications. The final exit jump will be completed this week, allowing riders to maintain speed across the road and into the new Creek exit trail.
New Creek Exit Trail
This trail was started last Thursday during our first regular "Trail Carvers" dig night, with a solid turnout of 20+ people building around 150m of new trail. Join us for the next dig on Thursday, July 25th, to keep up the momentum and improve trails throughout Silvan and Kingsland. Thanks to Eddyline for the beer sponsorship, which made for a great debrief around the brazier.
Freestyle Tree Runs and Trail Extensions
We’ve opened a new "off-piste" link from Jericho/Exodus to connect back to Alpha and the jumps. More freestyle tree runs will be added in the coming months. The Fulton Hogan team continued the Beta climb down past Crankyanker into the main valley, smoothing the exit from the mythical G5 trail. Our new trail crew will complete this work as the evenings get longer.
De La Luna Trail Nearing Completion
Led by Juliana, our dig team is close to finishing "De La Luna," a favorite descent from the top of the forest. This hand-built, technical flow trail crosses Exodus and the main forest road, connecting to the Spitrock extension and the Arena Jumps. Mildey is opening up the Spitrock extension, utilising an old dozer track to provide another downhill route.
Planting and Spraying Initiatives
We plan to plant around 4ha this winter with kanuka, redwood, poplar, and oak, filling out the clear-felled area below the amphitheatre and around the Spitrock extension. We’ve also planted poplar poles along existing trails and skids for future shade. Ongoing spraying and weed control ensure roads, trails, and established trees remain clear of gorse and vines. We're investigating drone spraying systems to target vines in the wider forest. Volunteers are welcome to help with vine control, which can make a significant impact. Get in touch to find out more.
Upcoming Projects and Events
"Heaven up Here," a long-awaited connection from Crankyanker to Top Notch, is a priority. This will provide a useful link to Kingsland Forest and open native gullies for future trails. Mildey also plans to extend Ari Mahoe along the macrocarpa edge from McGazza skid to the current trail.
The amphitheatre is set for more shows this summer, following last year’s successful events at Silvan Steps. Stay tuned for updates.
Community and Sponsorship
The coffee cart moved to the Oak Tree zone beside the RDA on Champion Road, attracting more visitors with the winter sun. Our orchard at Skid 7 needs pruning and fencing after a rough season with possums. We’re working on updated trail signs to reflect recent changes and help with wayfinding.
Stay Connected
Our new website is live at silvanforest.co.nz, providing a platform for updates on Silvan's activities. Check out the partners page for sponsor bios and let us know any feedback on the content and branding. We’re about to renew sponsorships for another two years, so please share this opportunity with potential sponsors. If you’d like to express your interest - Click here.