Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, has launched a public appeal for help repairing flood damage to the National Cycle Network following the wettest winter on record.

There has been a significant amount of damage throughout the UK from the Shetland Islands to Scotland and across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Route signs have been blown over, fence posts have been washed away and paths have been destroyed by landslides and the force of flood water.

In order to restore these trails, Sustrans is appealing to the cycling community and wider public for help.

Huw Davies, Director of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, said:

“The Sustrans network has taken a bit of a beating over the last few months. Staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to clear debris and repair minor damage, however the problems are extensive and some sections of the NCN will be costly to fix.”

Some of the most seriously damaged routes are in Scarborough where Route 1 has suffered serious water run-off damage. Route 1 in Essex needs extensive maintenance work and a link route to Route 4 in Milford Haven has been completely blocked after landslides. Coastal flooding has left shoreline paths right across the country in urgent need of repair, from Hastings in East Sussex to Newport, South Wales.

Sustrans aims to raise more than £120,000 between now and 25 April 2014 in order to repair the damage caused and have the trails back in action for summer.

Huw Davies added:

“The Network is a fantastic and much loved resource for commuting and leisure purposes, used by more than 3.1m walkers and cyclists, for over 500m journeys every year.”

To donate to the NCN Urgent Repair Appeal 2014 please visit  www.sustrans.org.uk/repairs or call 0845 838 0651