Events Key to Events:
Green: Practical Conservation volunteer projects een: Practical Conservation
Orange: Guided walks for health and to explore the park
Blue: Guided walks for wildlife
Pink: Kids' events
Black: All other events
Health Walks 
Throughout the Year. Health walks, in the company of a trained leader take place every Wednesday at 10.30am and during the summer on Tuesdays at 6.15pm. (Most walks start at Forest Centre Reception but some start elsewhere - see notice board or ring 01234 767037 to confirm). Walks are free and open to everyone.
Walking could change your life! Walk at your own pace under the guidance of a trained health walk leader and enjoy the many benefits that walking can bring. Our regular walks are part of a county-wide walking scheme - Walk 4 Health in Bedfordshire, run from the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity offices in Tebworth. To find out if there is a walk happening near where you are, contact Mike Fayers, the Healthy Walking Manager on 01767 626453 or email mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk
Or visit the web site www.walk4health.org
5 Km Race
Friday 19th June 2009.
Race starts at 7.30pm to be preceeded by a childrens 1km fun run at 7.10pm, with memento to all junior finishers. The main race is a 5km race on a flat, fast course, free of traffic with PB potential. The cost is £8 for attached runners, £10 for unattached and £1 for attached V60. Entries can be made via Runners World web site www.runnersworld.co.uk or information at www.marstonforest5k.org.uk The race is organised by the Ampthill and Flitwick Flyers which is a local running club, catering for all abilities. It is based at Redbourne School, Ampthill. Information about the club and all activities can be found at www.affrunningclub.org.uk . You can e-mail me (Valerie Von Arx - Race Director) at racedirector@marstonforest5k.org.uk or phone 07850 403427
Conservation Task
Saturday 20 June 2009 at 10.15am
Post and Rail fencing over the culverts. The rangers will explain the task and provide tools and equipment, just bring enthusiasm.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sponsored Walk
Saturday 20th June at 11am.
Breathe Easy Bedford (part of the British Lung Foundation) are having a sponsored walk to raise funds for the group to help people with breathing difficulties. The walk will be a maximum of 1.5 kilometres and all are welcome (including pushchair users plus helpers and children) For more information please contact John Hubbold on 01234 855611 or email - jhubbold@tinyworld.co.uk.
Father's Day Lunch
Sunday 21st June
Now taking bookings for special father's day lunch, booking is essential. Your choice of two courses. Main course of Roast Beef or Roast Chicken or a vegetarian option, with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and homemade gravy. Followed by apple crumble with custard or chocolate fudge cake or cheesecake. We also include a small present for each father in the party. All for just £14.95 per person!
To make your booking call 01234 762 613
Superheroes!
At the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park
Sunday 28th June 2009 11am to 5pm
A fun day with activities for all the family; admission £2 for adults and £1 for children
Live music, ball pool, bouncy castle and magician show. Super sight activity treasure hunt - do you have the power to find the hidden clues? Bungee trampolines fly high, like a real superhero! Super sense games: guess the weight of the superhero cake, guess the number of sweets in the jar and predict the location of the villains’ secret lair! Fancy dress- prize for the most original superhero costume and description of your special power. Super hero race- who is the fastest superhero? All this and much more.
Sunday Stroll
5 July 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Conservation Task
Sunday 26 July 2009 at 10.15am
Hedge cutting - cutting car park hedge for safety and access.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sunday Stroll
2 August 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Dragonflies
At the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park
Thursday 6 August 2009
10am — 12.45pm
Learn about dragonflies, look for them and then make one! Best to book, only 30 places per session.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £1 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Merlin the Magician
Saturday 22nd August 2.30pm
Chapterhouse open air theatre company presents 'Merlin the Magician' by Laura Turner.
Alive with music, dance, comedy and drama, we follow Merlin on his quest to guide King Arthur in his search for the Holy Grail. Among the brigh lighs of Camelot, a famed few knights will arrive, bringing romance and chivalry to the court. In an exciting world of fearsome beasts and magical creatures, Merlin and the Knights of Camelot embark on the most thrilling journey of their lives. An event for all the family in magnificent settings.
Tickets and information from the Forest Centre on 01234 767037 or Bedford Tourist information centre on 01234 221712 or
See Tickets 0871 220260.
Adults £12, Students and children £8 / Families (2 adults & 2 children) £35
10% discount for parties of 10 or more. The Lakeside Cafe is also open from 10am to 6pm.
Please bring your own rugs or low backed seating.
The duration of the show is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval in the middle. Ticket prices may vary and are non-refundable. All performances are open air and will continue in all but the worst weather. Check out the chapterhouse website for more information too.... www.chapterhouse.org
Conservation Task
Saturday 22 August 2009 at 10.15am
Tree guard removal - removing tree guards from Long Meadow and Lake View wood, along with widflower plug planting.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Hibernation Houses
At the Forest Centre
Thursday 27 August 2009 10am — 12.45pm
Help the wildlife in your garden get through the chilly winter by making your own hibernation house.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £1 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Tribute Live Music Night
Saturday 29th August
Featuring tributes to Queen (Kings of Queen), Robbie Williams (Mike Sealey's tribute to Robbie Williams) and Elton John (King Horn's tribute to Elton John). Bring your picnic, dig out your old 70's costume for a wonderful evening of fund and dancing, with a dramatic fireworks finale! The grounds open at 5.30pm and the music starts at 7.15pm. Merchandise and refreshments are available at the grounds, including a licenced bar. If there is a large group of you, why not hire a gazebo space and hold your own party? Raising money for the Forest of Marston Vale to help create the forest in Bedfordshire.
Pre- booked adult tickets cost £19.50, child tickets (5-14 years) cost £5 each
On the day, adult tickets cost £25 and children £10.
To book your tickets call the Forest Centre on 01234 767037 (9am - 5pm),
or call 01223 894 566 (6pm -10pm)
Sunday Stroll
6 September 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Saturday & Sunday 12 & 13 September.
Click here for more details
Conservation Task
Sunday 27 September 2009 at 10.15am
Wetlands islands - boating out to the islands to cut back trees and shrubs and gravelling some areas for ground nesting birds.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sunday Stroll
4 October 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Conservation Task
Saturday 17 October 2009 at 10.15am
Bird box construction and refurbishment - monitoring, fixing and building bird boxes for different birds around the site.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Halloween Crafts
At the Forest Centre
Friday 30 October 2009 10am — 12.45pm
Spooky times ahead! Make your own Halloween themed craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £1 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Sunday Stroll
1 November 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Conservation Task
Sunday 22 November 2009 at 10.15am
Hedge laying - round the children's play area and the Sensory Garden. Small sections of hedge to be laid; all training, tools and materials provided.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sunday Stroll
6 December 2009 at 10.30am
A Gentle Sunday Walk
Come and join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area.
The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9.
Call 01234 767037 for more details.
Cost £1, payable on the day - no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
Why not finish the morning off with lunch in our Forest Centre Restaurant? Call 01234 767037 for details.
Conservation Task
Saturday 12 December 2009 at 10.15am
Cutting and burning hawthorn scrub to open up area for wild flowers and butterflies.
Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects throughout the Vale. Wear old clothes and bring lunch.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Christmas Crafts
At the Forest Centre
Tuesday 22 December 2009 10am — 12.45pm
Bring the magic of winter into your own home with a natural Christmas decoration. Make your own Christmas themed craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £1 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
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