Another step in the DIRTT Project: Train the Trainer Event in Scotland

The DIRTT “Train the Trainer” event in Tweed Valley, Scotland, marks another step in DIRTT’s mission to advance the trail building craft through international cooperation and knowledge-sharing.

By focusing on training national tutors, the initiative empowers key individuals to effectively disseminate quality assured trail building best practices at national, regional and local levels. While most training events in this field prioritise technical skills, the DIRTT Train the Trainer programme placed its emphasis on how to communicate and teach safe and sustainable trail work – particularly in the context of entry-level trail building and maintenance courses within the DIRTT educational framework.

Support from major industry players like Shimano underscores a shared understanding across the sector: collaboration and education at the leadership level offer significant potential for Europe-wide impact. This approach ensures a meaningful trickle-down effect, bringing international initiatives and best-practice knowledge all the way down to the local grassroots level, including volunteer dig days.

Connecting European Trail Building Leaders

Over three days, from November 11th to 13th, at Peel Tower and the TVTA Trails in Innerleithen, 16 trail building leaders and advocates from across Europe participated in a dynamic mix of classroom instruction and hands-on trail work. Led by Associate Professor Tom Campbell, Tom Cole—a DIRTT tutor and lead designer at CRC Trails—and a support team from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, participants engaged in an intensive teaching programme. The sessions placed a strong focus on group leadership, including organising dig days, assigning roles, and effectively communicating with landowners to secure necessary permissions.

Will Clarke, part of the DMBinS organiser team, reflected on the event’s success: “Engagement was really high, and it was amazing to see such diverse backgrounds—from trail-building veterans to those with education experience—come together and share ideas. It was brilliant to exchange views, experiences, and knowledge with the group. While much of this happened through the course itself, there was also valuable networking while riding bikes or catching up in the evenings.” 

Asked about his key takeaways, Clarke added: “There’s a strong appetite for DIRTT across nations, and it’s clear that whether you’re working with volunteer trail associations, bike clubs, or as a professional builder, there’s a pathway here that many are excited to see roll out”

The Train the Trainer event is another example of how DIRTT’s approach is helping to advance the trail building sector through collaboration and knowledge sharing. You can stay updated on the project by following @DIRTT on social media.

Photos: Pete Scullion/DMBinS