One of Dorset’s best-known brands is taking its environmental work back into the landscapes that helped shape its cycling identity.
Muc-Off has signed a three-year partnership with Forestry England to support woodland restoration and mountain bike trail stewardship, with the first work beginning here in Dorset.
The company, which grew from a bicycle-cleaning product developed by Rex Trimnell in 1991 into an internationally recognised cycling brand, will support the planting of around 3,600 native broadleaf trees over the next three years. The first phase will begin this winter at Vernditch Chase, an ancient woodland in North Dorset that was historically replanted with non-native conifers. Oak, hazel and hornbeam will be among the species planted, with the aim of improving biodiversity and creating new habitats for wildlife.
The partnership will also include community volunteering days at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, focused on maintaining mountain bike trails and caring for the woodland around them.
Project Green
For Muc-Off, whose products are now used by cyclists around the world, the project is closely tied to the company’s origins. The Forestry England collaboration forms part of Muc-Off’s Project Green programme, which focuses on reducing the company’s environmental impact while supporting practical conservation work. CEO and founding family member Alex Trimnell said: ‘Muc-Off was born from bike culture, so supporting the forests and trails that fuel the riding community means a huge amount to us. This partnership takes Project Green beyond our own four walls and into the places that matter to our community.’
Muc-Off already supports several major mountain biking destinations across the country, including Whinlatter Forest, the Forest of Dean and Watchmoor Bike Park. The new agreement with Forestry England expands that activity, while bringing part of the programme back to Dorset.
From Dorset to the world
Today, Muc-Off operates internationally across cycling, motorsport and performance sport. The Forestry England partnership brings some of that work back home. At Vernditch Chase, the focus will be long-term woodland restoration; at Moors Valley, volunteers will help maintain the trails used by thousands of riders each year.
Forestry England’s Leif Mann said: ‘Partnerships like this help us create lasting impact. Working with Muc-Off provides a fantastic opportunity for the cycling and mountain biking community to support these special places, so they continue to thrive for generations to come.’
The first tree planting at Vernditch Chase is due to begin this winter.
muc-off.com
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