Case Study: College Wood, Silsoe

"The best thing about working with the Forest of Marston Vale Trust Trees for Climate team is that they take control, they take a lot of the hard work off your hands and make the whole process simple and straightforward."

Gareth Ellis, Head of energy and environment and Cranfield University

College Wood at a glance

63 hectares of new woodland
140,013 trees planted
1,073m of new hedgerow
9.1km of new access routes
Partnership with Cranfield University

Project summary

College Wood is one of the largest woodland creation projects delivered through the Trees for Climate programme in the Forest of Marston Vale area.

Working in partnership with Cranfield University, the Forest of Marston Vale Trust transformed over 63 hectares of former arable farmland into a new woodland that will provide benefits for wildlife, climate, research and local communities for generations to come.

Completed across two planting phases, the project has seen more than 140,000 trees planted alongside over 1 kilometre of new hedgerow creation and the development of an extensive network of access routes through the site.

The woodland has also become a focal point for community involvement, with hundreds of local residents, school pupils, volunteers and corporate groups helping to bring the project to life through planting events and engagement activities.

Project description

Cranfield University approached the Forest of Marston Vale Trust with ambitions to create a large-scale woodland that would help offset carbon emissions associated with university and airport activities while also creating opportunities for long-term environmental research. (View the planting design map here).

The site presented a unique opportunity to explore how different tree species may perform under future climate conditions. As a result, the woodland design includes a mixture of native British species alongside carefully selected species from across Europe and North America.

Formerly managed as arable farmland, the 91-hectare site varies considerably in its soil types, from lighter sandy soils in the north to heavier clay soils elsewhere. The woodland design was carefully tailored to these conditions, creating 37 individual woodland compartments containing a diverse mix of species and habitats.

The layout was influenced by a range of environmental and heritage considerations. Existing views between Silsoe, Wardhedges and Pulloxhill were protected through the creation of rides, glades and open spaces, while areas containing buried heritage assets and utility infrastructure were incorporated into the design.

Special consideration was also given to the nearby Upbury moated site and associated fishponds, with substantial areas of open space included to protect local hydrology and preserve the site's historic significance.

"I would absolutely recommend working with the Forest of Marston Vale Trust Trees for Climate team. They're really knowledgeable, they're on top of all the details and they're very easy to work with, so it's been a delight working with them."

Gareth Ellis, Head of Energy and Environment at Cranfield University

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Public access and community involvement

Public access has been a key feature of the project from the outset. The site is connected to an extensive network of existing footpaths and bridleways linking Silsoe, Wardhedges, Pulloxhill, Flitton, Greenfield and surrounding communities. More than 9 kilometres of new routes have been created within the woodland, helping to improve opportunities for recreation and access to nature.

The project has also seen significant community participation. More than 780 people have been engaged through public planting days, school events, corporate volunteering sessions, parish council meetings, exhibitions and local consultations.

In February 2026, around 150 volunteers attended a public planting day at College Wood, helping to plant more than 3,000 trees in a single day.

Project impact

Supporting climate resilience

By planting over 140,000 trees, College Wood will help capture carbon and create a more climate-resilient landscape. The mix of species will also provide insights to support future woodland management.

Enhancing wildlife

The project has created a diverse mosaic of woodland, hedgerows and open spaces.

As it matures, it will provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife and help strengthen ecological networks across the landscape.

Supporting research

As a university-owned site, College Wood offers unique opportunities for environmental research, monitoring and education. The woodland will act as a living resource where future generations can study woodland establishment, species performance and climate adaptation..

Improving access to nature

The extensive path network and connections to surrounding rights of way will enable more people to enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. Whether walking, riding or exploring the woodland, visitors will be able to experience a changing landscape that will continue to grow and develop over the coming decades.

Build a legacy

The Forest of Marston Vale Trust helps landowners, farmers, schools, and communities enhance land and create green spaces.

A Trees for Climate grant can cover up to 100% of planting costs, with ongoing support and payments for environmental benefits.