On Saturday 17^th June we were joined by Girlguiding Bedfordshire to mark the launch of their new badge, The Forest of Marston Vale Quest. The event was also attended by Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford, Dr Elizabeth Slack, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Russell Beard, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Andrea Spice, Councillor for Wilstead and Wixams, as well as representatives from The Forest of Marston Vale Trust.

Image: Staff and Guides exploring the bog pond

The Forest of Marston Vale Trust partnered with Girlguiding Bedfordshire to create a badge based at The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park for all Girlguiding members, which encourages young people to get out into nature. The pack is flexible and enables Guides to pick and choose parts that suit them and is suitable for a one-off visit, or over several visits, as well as paid options such as a Ranger led tour. Activities include exploring the Sensory Wildlife Garden, orienteering around Stewartby lake, wildlife spotting and crafting with items found in the woods.

Ranger Nicola giving a guided tour of The Forest of Marston Vale Quest

As part of the event visitors were taken on a tour of parts of the Quest by Nicola Ceconi, Senior Ranger and participants were able to see the flexible opportunities that the Quest provides, as well as the Guides getting an opportunity to Bog Pond Dip. We are excited for this new partnership and for any local Girlguiding groups who are interested in taking part find out more here: https://bedsguiding.org.uk/

Guides and local representatives birdwatching at one of our four Hides

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There's so much to see and do at the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park

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