The Community Forest lies within three local government administrative areas - Bedfordshire County Council, Mid Bedfordshire District Council and Bedford Borough Council. All are helping to finance the Forest, along with the Countryside Commission, Forestry Commission and the increasing support received from the private sector.

The Forest of Marston Vale Plan sets out proposals to enhance the landscape and amenities of the Vale, whilst conserving its agricultural heritage. The main proposals, some of which are already well in hand, are to: plant an area of woodland the size of 100 Wembley football pitches every year improve or plant 5 km of hedgerow each year offer an advice service for local farmers help improve recreation facilities encourage use of new and existing access routes advise on and encourage community projects improve the forest as an educational resource