About us

Although the intention to create the park was published first in Bedford Borough Council's Local Plan, the Marston Vale Trust is leading the planning of the project after successfully attracting the funding to enable a master plan, and now a Framework, to be produced.

Our proven track record of creating and managing large areas of woodland and open space; and developing important facilities such as the Forest Centre and Route 51 demonstrates that we have the necessary experience and expertise to complete the first stage of the process.

The Marston Vale Trust is the charitable trust responsible for creating the Forest of Marston Vale.

The Forest of Marston Vale is an initiative of the Countryside Agency and the Forestry Commission, in partnership with Bedfordshire County Council, Mid Bedfordshire District Council, and Bedford Borough Council.

Our challenge is to use trees and woodlands to transform 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes, repairing a landscape scarred by decades of clay extraction, brickmaking and landfill. We have already planted around 1 million trees and by 2030 we will plant 5 million more, working with local communities, government and businesses, to create new woods and other wild places for everyone to enjoy.

For several years our team has been working on repairing decades of industrial use by improving the landscape and environment as part of our 40 year vision.

Bedford River Valley Park has engaged the services of a small team of experts to help produce the master plan. These are from:

Bidwells, Currie & Brown, Cameron Taylor, Ecoschemes Ltd, and Woods Hardwick.