Small Forest, big impact: 10 million trees planted

Forest of Marston Vale Trust contributes to 10 million trees planted across England by England’s Community Forests

A major environmental milestone has been reached across England, as the country’s Community Forests network celebrates the planting of 10 million trees. The achievement comes through the Trees for Climate programme, funded by UK Government via the Nature for Climate Fund, and delivered by England’s 15 Community Forests. As the smallest Forest in the network, the Forest of Marston Vale has made a significant contribution to the achievement. The Forest of Marston Vale Trust, the charity creating the Forest, has combined decades of woodland creation experience and expertise with renewed momentum from the Trees for Climate programme.

For more than 30 years, the Trust has been transforming the Bedfordshire landscape, turning former industrial land into thriving green spaces and in recent years through Trees for Climate, has been able to expand its reach offering landowners, farmers and community groups free advice and support, combined with an attractive funding package, to transform their land through hedge and tree planting and woodland creation.

This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of Community Forests across England. We’re proud to play our part and we’ll continue delivering an ambitious tree planting programme, tackling climate change by capturing carbon and reducing flood risks as well as enhancing the well-being of local communities; creating greener, healthier spaces, strengthening local communities’ connection with nature, supporting mental and physical health, and fostering a sense of community pride.

To commemorate the occasion, each Community Forest planted a ceremonial “10 millionth tree.” In the Forest of Marston Vale, that honour went to long-time volunteer David Pryor, who planted the tree at College Wood in Silsoe. Having supported the Charity for many years, helping with fundraising, events and planting countless trees, David was the natural choice. The planting site, owned by Cranfield University, is more than just a woodland, with species being planted, such as Italian alder and Turkish oak, to research their resilience to our warming climate and accompanying pest threats.

Planting our 10 millionth tree is a remarkable milestone and proof that government investment is delivering results. Trees are good for nature, people and climate, and I congratulate everyone whose commitment got us here.

For the Forest of Marston Vale Trust this milestone is just another step on the journey to deliver 30% tree cover across the Forest area – one tree at a time!

If you’re a landowner or farmer interested in planting trees on your land, get in touch with our Trees for Climate team and let’s start planting.

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