Starring Web Role for Cyclist Ray

RAY NOBLE has just retired after 43 years of working in the Forestry Commission’s North-East woods.His first job was to nurture saplings in Chopwell Woodland Park, acting as midwife to thousands of trees now standing tall in the 900-acre beauty spot, near Gateshead.These days, he unwinds by whizzing along its mountain bike trails – something he began as therapy for a bad knee.Now woodland chiefs have recruited him to help launch a website to help the public get the most out of the region’s forests.It is the first website the Forestry Commission has dedicated to a region, and surfers are greeted by a picture of Mr Noble pedalling through the forest.Chief ranger Richard Gilchrist said: “The NorthEast has a fantastic forest environment, with over 200,000 acres of woods.”You can see goshawks soar, wild goats graze and hike some of England’s best trails. But good information is the key to unlocking the landscape and its secrets, and that is why this website is so important.”The site selects Holystone as the most tranquil wood and Chopwell for its giant trees. Wildlife spotters should head for Kielder Forest and horseriders to Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland. Hepburn Wood, near Alnwick, Northumberland, is best for views.As well as visitor information and maps, the website has information on the English Woodland Grant Scheme, felling licences, the region’s forest strategy and educational resources.The site is at www. forestry. gov. uk/northeastengland

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