Six off-road cycling hubs are set to be created across South West England as part of a £7.5m Forestry Commission-led initiative to transform the region into a global destination for the activity.

The 1SW scheme will lead to the development of purpose-built cycling trails, bike hire facilities, cafés and areas to improve bike handling skills and information on how and where to ride in a bid to improve the quality of off-road cycling. Haldon Forest Park, Teignbridge, Devon; Moors Valley Country Park, East Dorset; Ashton Court and Leigh Woods, North Somerset and Plym Woods, Plymouth, are among the sites to be earmarked as hub sites, along with Cannop Colliery, Forest of Dean and Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods, North Cornwall.

An extensive public consultation will be launched to gather comments from local residents and existing site users over where trails and facilities are proposed in a bid to ensure as many people are able to benefit. The Rural Development Programme for England - part-funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the EU - has awarded the project £4.6m under the Sustainable Rural Tourism Theme managed by the South West Regional Development Agency.

Led by the Forestry Commission, the 1SW initiative also includes national cyclists' association CTC, County Sports Partnerships, South British Cycling, South West Protected Landscapes Forum, Devon County Council, Woodland Renaissance, International Mountain Biking Association UK and South West Tourism. Sport England has also contributed funding towards the scheme, which will work with delivery partners, such as the National Trust, South West Lakes Trust, South West Protected Landscapes Forum and Bristol City Council to deliver the facilities.

Paul Hawkins, 1SW project manager, said: "The region's tourism economy stands to benefit greatly with opportunities for a diverse range of businesses, from increased out-of-season accommodation demand to providing specialist services such as guided rides. "We will work with local businesses to ensure they maximise their benefit from the provision of this quality adventurous cycling product. Off road cycling in woodlands is enjoyable whatever the weather and provides a fun alternative to beach-based activities, particularly outside of the main summer months."