Planting trees and using woodlands to make life better for people and wildlife in the Marston Vale and beyond

Our story

We’re the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, a charity leading the environmental, social and economic regeneration of 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes through the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale.

Kate Humble visits the Forest of Marston Vale

TV presenter and writer Kate Humble visited the Forest of Marston Vale to create a film exploring our 30-year journey - from tree planting and habitat creation to the thriving wildlife now calling the Forest home.

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Author: Hannah Davies

We're making a difference

16.9%

 Tree coverage increased from 3.6% since 1991

+ 2,872,000

 trees, shrubs and hedgerows planted

7,136

 tonnes of carbon removed from the atmosphere yearly

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News & blogs

  • Restoring Reynolds & Holcot Woods - Why deer management matters for nature recovery (Part 9)

    Non-native deer are damaging UK woodlands and harming biodiversity. Through careful deer management, Reynolds and Holcot Woods have seen significant woodland recovery and increased wildlife within two years. Find out how we’re restoring these ancient woodlands and protecting nature for the future. Read more

  • Restoring Reynolds & Holcot Woods – introducing silvopasture (part 8)

    Discover how we’re restoring Holcot Wood through silvopasture – a form of agroforestry that combines trees and grazing livestock to create a more resilient, wildlife-rich landscape. Learn how carefully planned planting, traditional coppice fencing and future grazing will help protect and enhance this special woodland for years to come. Read more

  • Sustainable soil health and trees in a changing world

    Beneath our feet lies one of our most vital natural systems. As we face climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressure on food production, healthy soil plays a crucial role - storing carbon, supporting crops, and reducing flood risk. Protecting it is essential for a resilient future in the UK and beyond. Read more

Events in the Forest

  • Wildlife walk

    Join our friendly wildlife experts for a guided adventure around the Millennium Country Park, where we’ll be on the look out for beautiful birds, stunning orchids, dazzling dragonflies, colourful wildflowers and so much more. This event is part of the Great Big Green Week. Read more

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    Location: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR

  • Discover butterflies

    Join our senior ranger, Nicola Ceconi on a Discover butterflies walk to spot these beautiful insects. This event is part of the Great Big Green Week. Read more

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    Location: Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine, Bedford, MK43 0PR

  • Volunteer Day - Bench maintenance

    Be part of something amazing! Join us for a volunteer day in Marston Moretaine and help us with bench maintenance. Read more