Planting trees and using woodlands to make life better for people and wildlife in the Marston Vale and beyond

Our story

We’re the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, a charity leading the environmental, social and economic regeneration of 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes through the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale.

Kate Humble visits the Forest of Marston Vale

TV presenter and writer Kate Humble visited the Forest of Marston Vale to create a film exploring our 30-year journey - from tree planting and habitat creation to the thriving wildlife now calling the Forest home.

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Author: Hannah Davies

We're making a difference

16.9%

 Tree coverage increased from 3.6% since 1991

+ 2,872,000

 trees, shrubs and hedgerows planted

7,136

 tonnes of carbon removed from the atmosphere yearly

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News & blogs

  • Hedgehog footprints found in first Millennium Country Park survey

    Hedgehogs have been recorded at the Millennium Country Park during our first ever survey for the species! Find out how our team and volunteers are using footprint tunnels to discover more about these elusive nocturnal visitors. Read more

  • On the ground with the Forest Team - Caring for the Forest with Nicola

    Go behind the scenes with Senior Ranger Nicola Ceconi in the first part of our Forest Team blog series. Discover how butterfly and newt surveys, habitat monitoring, and community engagement all play a vital role in caring for the Forest of Marston Vale and connecting people with nature. Read more

  • Ecological surveys reveal rich wildlife at Reynolds & Holcot Woods

    Rare bats, dawn chorus recordings, hidden mammals and thriving pond life – discover what our latest ecological surveys revealed about the incredible wildlife returning to Reynolds & Holcot Woods. These findings mark an exciting milestone in our ancient woodland restoration journey and offer a fascinating glimpse into nature's recovery. Read more

Events in the Forest

  • Volunteer day - Woodland edge management

    Be part of something amazing! Join us for a volunteer day in Green End in Kempston and help us with woodland edge management. Read more

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    Location: Green End , Kempston, Bedford

  • Tree Guard Removal Day: Rectory Wood, Cranfield

    We are on a mission to remove all redundant plastic tree guards from our mature woodlands. Join us for this Tree Guard Removal Day and be part of something bigger! Read more

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    Location: Rectory Wood, Cranfield, Bedford

  • Volunteer Day - Scrub management

    Be part of something amazing! Join us for a volunteer day in Marston Moretaine and help us with scrub management. Read more