Events Key to Events:
Green: Practical Conservation volunteer projects 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
Sunday Stroll
7 March 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.
ROOTS, SHOOTS, FLOWERS & FROOTS
Shoots!
Sunday 7th March
2pm - 4.30pm
Herbal medicine talk and guided walk, the second of four walks
Led by Maggie Haworth, Medical Herbalist.
Meeting at 2pm in the Forest Centre Café for a short introduction to Herbal Medicine - what to collect when etc - i.e. collecting shoots during the & then on a walk (actual walking time 1 1/2 hours) collect shoots and then back to centre to be shown what to do with what we've collected.
The aim is that people learn which plants they can use to make herbal medicines, the right time for harvesting & how to make simple herbal remedies.
£5 per person (£2.50 goes as a donation to the forest of Marston Vale) Children can attend for free.
Maximum of 20 people so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please call reception to book your place.
01234 767 037 or email Alexis.pym@marstonvale.org
Mothers' Day lunch
Sunday 14th March
Two course meal for 14.99 with gift for all mums.
Roast chicken or beef served with Yorkshire pudding and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian choice available. Desserts - apple crumble and custard, chocolate fudge cake, or cheesecake.
Bookings essential - please phone 01234 762613
Conservation Task
Sunday 21 March at 10.15am
Sowing wildflowers seeds on wetland scrapes
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.
Gardener’s Question Evening!
Wednesday 24th March 2010
From 7pm – 9pm
An evening with the experts. Do you have an iris with an illness, a hebe that is causing you a headache?
Bring your burning questions to the local Bedfordshire gardening experts.
We are very lucky to have three local experts at the event; David Young, Plant manager, Poplars Nursery
Chris Day, Buckingham Nurseries and Chris Milbourn, Plant Manager, Dobbies Garden Centre
Ticket price includes coffee or tea and biscuits. Places are limited so book your ticket now. £6 per person £5 concessions
All money raised will go to the Forest of Marston Vale Community Forest Charity.
call 01234 767037 for details and to book a ticket. At the Forest Centre, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, MK43 0PR
Sunday Stroll
4 April 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.
Treasure Hunt
At the Forest Centre
Easter Monday 5th April 2010 10am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2.30pm
Outdoor adventure. Outdoor boots and jacket required!
2 sessions - 25 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Early Spring Migrants
A bird walk at the Millennium Country Park
Saturday 10th April 2010 8am - 11am
£3/adult, £2/child (£1 reduction for Forest Volunteers & Friends)
Join expert Forest Volunteer leaders who will show you the birding highlights of spring. By now many migrants will have arrived from Africa and elsewhere; things will get more complicated in a few weeks, when the whole gang arrives - so this is a good time to refresh your bird song memory.
No experience necessary; bring binoculars if you some but again they are not essential.
Wear warm, waterproof clothes. Some gradients of over 1:6. There's no set route as we go where the birds take us. Meet at the Forest Centre main door.
Booking essential, but please pay the leader on the day.
Ring 01234 767037 for more details or to book your place.
Rabbits and Hares
At the Forest Centre
Friday 16th April 2010 10am — 12.45pm
Fun, facts and craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Conservation Task
Saturday 17 April at 10.15am
Tidying up sensory garden
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
Biochar - a public meeting
Saturday 24 April, 11am - 1pm
at the Forest Centre
Everybody welcome to come to a public meeting and discussion organised by Bedfordshire Climate Change Forum.
The potential of charcoal to help tackle climate change. Carbon dioxide can be sequestered if charcoal is buried in the soil. The Worldwatch institute says forest thinnings, rice husks, nut shells eg, can all be used to make biochar. It's been done for ages in India.
Speaker: James Bruges, author, environmentalist: The Little Earth Book, The Big Earth Book and his latest, The Biochar debate:
charcoal's potential to reverse climate change and build soil fertility.
For more information call 01234 215445 or email longtone@phonecoop.coop
Dawn Chorus Walk
Our 10th annual celebration of early morning bonkers birdiness
A bird walk at the Millennium Country Park
Saturday 1st May 2010 4.30am - 7.30am
Join expert Forest Volunteer leaders who will show you the birding highlights of spring.
No experience necessary; bring binoculars if you some but again they are not essential.
Wear warm, waterproof clothes. Some gradients of over 1:6. There's no set route as we go where the birds take us. Meet at the Forest Centre main door.
It's always worth the pain to enjoy the awsome orchestra that is the dawn chorus and to enjoy this most marvelous time of day and year. A great chance to find out which bird is which. Price includes full English breakfast. Vegetarian option available. £8 adult, £5 child, payable on booking (no concessions). Advance booking essential. Call 01234 767037.
Sunday Stroll
2 May 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.
Dawn Chorus for Late Risers
A bird walk at the Millennium Country Park
Saturday 15th May 2010, 8am - 11am
£3/adult, £2/child (£1 reduction for Forest Volunteers & Friends)
Join expert Forest Volunteer leaders who will show you the birding highlights of spring. By now pretty much all our summer migrants will have arrived at the Country Park; this is a good time to acquaint yourself with who they are, where they are from and what they are doing here.
No experience necessary; bring binoculars if you some but again they are not essential.
Wear warm, waterproof clothes. Some gradients of over 1:6. There's no set route as we go where the birds take us. Meet at the Forest Centre main door.
Booking essential, but please pay the leader on the day.
Ring 01234 767037 for more details or to book your place.
ROOTS, SHOOTS, FLOWERS & FROOTS
Flowers!
Sunday 16th May
2pm to 4.30pm
Herbal medicine talk and guided walk, the third of four walks
Led by Maggie Haworth, Medical Herbalist.
Meeting at 2pm in the Forest Centre Café for a short introduction to Herbal Medicine - what to collect when etc - i.e. collecting shoots during the & then on a walk (actual walking time 1 1/2 hours) find medicinal flowers and work with what has been collected.
The aim is that people learn which plants they can use to make herbal medicines, the right time for harvesting & how to make simple herbal remedies.
£5 per person (£2.50 goes as a donation to the forest of Marston Vale) Children can attend for free.
Maximum of 20 people so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please call reception to book your place.
01234 767 037 or email Alexis.pym@marstonvale.org
Conservation Task
Sunday 23 May at 10.15am
Post and rail fencing
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.
Follow the Rainbow Trail
At the Forest Centre
Friday 4th June 2010 10am to 11.30am & 1pm to 2.30pm
Outdoor adventure. Outdoor boots and jacket required!
2 sessions - 25 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Sunday Stroll
6 June 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 19 June at 10.15am
Post and rail fencing
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.
Fathers' Day lunch
Sunday 20th June
Two course meal for 14.99 with gift for all dads.
Roast chicken or beef served with Yorkshire pudding and fresh vegetables. Vegetarian choice available. Desserts - apple crumble and custard, chocolate fudge cake, or cheesecake.
Bookings essential - please phone 01234 762613
Sunday Stroll
4 July 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 18th July at 10.15am
Otter Survey
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. Back by popular demand, training in otter survey techniques at three locations around the Country Park. Please wear wellies and bring binoculars if you have them.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Brilliant Butterflies
At the Forest Centre
Friday 30th July 2010 10am — 12.45pm
Fun, facts and craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Sunday Stroll
1 August 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.
Mini Beast Detectives
At the Forest Centre
Monday 9th August 2010 10am to 11.30am & 1pm to 2.30pm
Outdoor adventure. Outdoor boots and jacket required!
2 sessions - 25 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Clay Creatures
At the Forest Centre
Friday 20th August 2010 10am — 12.45pm
Fun, facts and messy craft!
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Conservation Task
Saturday 21 August at 10.15am
Wetland island working.
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. We will be taking the boats out to the wetland islands to cut back vegetation and make space for nesting birds. You must be able to swim to attend this task.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
The festival of woodland, wood products and roots music!
11am to 5pm
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September 2010
lumberjacks, falconry, basket weaving, wood turning, live music and much more!
Sunday Stroll
5 September 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.
ROOTS, SHOOTS, FLOWERS & FROOTS
Froots!
Sunday 12th September
2pm to 4.30pm
Herbal medicine talk and guided walk, the forth of four walks
Led by Maggie Haworth, Medical Herbalist.
Meeting at 2pm in the Forest Centre Café for a short introduction to Herbal Medicine - what to collect when etc - i.e. collecting shoots during the & then on a walk (actual walking time 1 1/2 hours) collect wild fruits and work with what is collected.
The aim is that people learn which plants they can use to make herbal medicines, the right time for harvesting & how to make simple herbal remedies.
£5 per person (£2.50 goes as a donation to the forest of Marston Vale) Children can attend for free.
Maximum of 20 people so please book early to avoid disappointment. Please call reception to book your place.
01234 767 037 or email Alexis.pym@marstonvale.org
Conservation Task
Sunday 19th September at 10.15am
Hay raking
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. Working in little meadow and bramble meadow to encourage wildflowers.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sunday Stroll
3 October 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.
Fungal Foray
Sunday 10th October
10am to 12.30pm Or 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Alan Outen, County Recorder for Fungi, will be leading these two fungal forays. No prior knowledge is necessary but sturdy boots and outdoor clothing is recommended. Meeting at the Forest Centre reception. Places are free but limited to 25 people per walk. Please sign up at reception. In partnership with the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Fungi Group and the Bedfordshire Natural History Society.
To book call 01234 767037 or email Alexis.pym@marstonvale.org
Conservation Task
Saturday 23 October at 10.15am
Dead hedging round Stewartby Lake
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. Learn how to weave branches together to make a woven dead hedge and open up the footpath around Stewartby Lake
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Bananas about Bats
At the Forest Centre
Friday 29th October 2010 10am — 12.45pm
Fun, facts and craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
Sunday Stroll
7 November 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 21 November at 10.15am
Creating Hazel Coppice
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. Working in eleven oaks glade to clear areas and create more light for the ground flora, also planting hazel whips to create our own hazel coppice.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Sunday Stroll
5 December 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 11 December at 10.15am
Cutting and burning Hawthorn Scrub
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. Working on our county wildlife site by the edge of Stewartby lake, cutting back and burning hawthorn to encourage flowers for the dingy skipper butterfly.
Meet at the Forest Centre - finishes about 4.15pm.
For further details contact alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
Christmas Robins
At the Forest Centre
Monday 20th December 2010 10am — 12.45pm
Fun, facts and craft.
3 Sessions: 10am, 11am and Noon - 30 children per session. All materials provided. £2 per child.
Ring 01234 767037 or email alexis.pym@marstonvale.org for more details or to book your place.
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