Archive for May, 2010

Now that spring is finally upon us, it’s got to be time to venture out and enjoy the return of some warmth and sunshine. Route 51, through the heart of what will become Bedford River Valley Park is very well used already. Part of the National Cycle Network, 51 leaves Bedford, heading east from Priory Country Park on its route from Oxford to Cambridge. A new 2 mile cycle loop built by the Marston Vale Trust in 2008 follows the Ouse as it meanders to the north of Willington and this is also becoming popular with cyclists and walkers. A third connection, constructed last summer completes a figure of eight of 3½ miles; all surfaced, safe and very easy to ride. This latest Trust construction was made possible by money from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which utilises Landfill Tax Credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. Whether on foot or cycle, why not head east from Priory and enjoy the delights of the developing Bedford River Valley Park?
www.bedfordrivervalleypark.org
www.letsgo.org.uk

The creation of what will become the largest greenspace in Bedfordshire gained fresh momentum when nearly 150 local people and organisations attended a recent special event designed to harness local support and help speed up the creation of the Bedford River Valley Park (BRVP). The event, organised by the Marston Vale Trust in March saw the Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson urge everyone to get involved and become a Champion of the Park. Guy Lambourne of The Marston Vale Trust said ”We had a tremendously positive response – everyone was genuinely supportive and keen to see BRVP happen”.

At the event project partners helped inform and inspire visitors about the Park – they included Bedford Borough Council, the Environment Agency and The Marston Vale Trust, as well as Natural England which funded the event through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson said ” I am heartened by this encouraging start – and people can still sign up to become Champions. Anyone who wants to get involved in practical tasks, put forward ideas about how the park develops, or who wants to take part in future events, can become Champions – it’s a great way to show support for the new country park. Project partners are now starting work to set up a BVRP Forum – bringing together those people who have expressed an interest in taking particular aspects of the Park forward.

To find out more and sign up to receive more information visit www.bedfordrivervalleypark.org - telephone 01234 767037 or email guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org