Last updated November 2026
Silvan Forest is a privately owned forest at the western end of Champion Road in Richmond, where the Griffin family lets mountain bikers ride a network of trails they helped build. Tasman District Council describes it as a forest “made accessible for recreational use by its generous owners”, and pitches its trails at intermediate and advanced riders.
The owners’ own page describes over 30 km of single track across grades 2 to 5. The owners say access is free and year-round, but you are riding on private land at the family’s goodwill, so their rules apply.
Practical Information
- Start
- Silvan Place, 218 Champion Road, at the western end of Champion Road, Richmond; trail map at the start (council)
- Trails
- Over 30 km of single track (owners); the first phase, built 2014 to 2017, was about 20 km (Nelson MTB Club)
- Suits
- Intermediate and advanced riders (Tasman District Council); grades 2 to 5 (owners)
- Access
- Free, year-round (owners); donations welcome
- Dogs
- Not allowed in the forest, to protect its birdlife (owners)
- Land owner
- The Griffin family (private land)
- Connects to
- Kingsland Forest (linked paths) and the forest road network to Marsden Valley
- Status
- Check the Silvan Forest owners’ website for current closures before you ride
About Silvan Forest
Silvan sits on the edge of Richmond, but it is not a council reserve. The land belongs to the Griffin family, and the Nelson MTB Club’s page for the forest lists them as the land owner. The council promotes the forest on its mountain bike page because the owners have opened it to the public for recreation.
The trails have been through two lives. The MTB Trails Trust worked with the Griffin family to build the first phase, about 20 km of trail, between 2014 and 2017. The forest was then harvested in 2018 and 2019, and since then the owners have led the trail building themselves.
The sources differ on who it suits. The council pitches the network at intermediate and advanced riders, while the owners list trails from grade 2 to grade 5. Check the grade on the trail map at the start before you pick a line.
Riding is only one use of the property: the owners’ own website also covers weddings, a coffee cart and accommodation.
Riding on Private Land
Because Silvan is a family forest rather than public land, access depends on the owners. The owners describe access as free and year-round and mention no pass or club membership, but they do ask for donations towards the trails.
Dogs are not allowed in the forest, which the owners say is to protect the bird population, so leave the dog at home.
Use the trail map at the start to plan your ride and follow the signs. The owners ask riders to obey “Trail Exit, No Entry” signs, especially around the jump lines, and “No bikes on the Road” on Silvan Road between the gate and the junction to the McGazza skid, and say a taped-off trail is closed.
Linking to Kingsland and Marsden Valley
Silvan does not stand alone. The Nelson MTB Club says the first phase linked the end of Champion Road with Tasman District Council’s Kingsland Forest and with the forest road network that runs to Marsden Valley, and the owners list linked paths from Kingsland.
Each network has its own land owner and rules, so check them before you cross from one to the next.
Where to Learn More
Tasman District Council: Mountain bike trails: the council’s overview of Silvan Forest, Kingsland Forest and the other Tasman networks.
Nelson MTB Club: Silvan Forest: the club’s trail page, with the land owner and trail details.
Silvan Forest: the owners’ website, with forest rules, notices and how to donate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to ride Silvan Forest?
No. The owners describe access as free and year-round, and welcome donations towards the trails.
Who owns Silvan Forest?
It is privately owned by the Griffin family, who have made it available for recreation.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Tasman District Council describes the trails as suited to intermediate and advanced riders, but the owners list trails from grade 2 to grade 5.
Where do I start?
At Silvan Place, 218 Champion Road, at the western end of Champion Road in Richmond. The council says there is a trail map at the start.
Can I bring my dog?
No. The owners say dogs are not allowed in the forest, to protect its birds.
How many kilometres of trail are there?
The owners describe over 30 km of single track. The first phase, built between 2014 and 2017, was about 20 km, and the owners have led the building since the 2018 and 2019 harvest.
Can I ride from Silvan into other networks?
Yes. The club says the trails link to the council’s Kingsland Forest and to the forest roads that lead to Marsden Valley.
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