Our Patron

In 2021 we appointed Her Majesty the Queen’s representative for Bedfordshire - the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis - as our first charity Patron.

Helen Nellis was appointed by HM The Queen as the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire and served for 11 years. She was awarded Commander of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (CStJ) for services to humanity and Commander of the Royal Victoria Order (CVO) for distinguished service to HM The Queen.

Helen’s career has spanned the law, higher education, health and the commercial sector. A qualified Barrister and academic by background, she has worked as a global senior executive search professional and has a consultancy business as an executive coach specialising in the improvement of personal and board- level leadership performance in complex organisations.

Together with her family, Helen has been involved in supporting development in a village in Ghana for many years. She is a Trustee, President and Patron of several charities.

Commenting on her appointment as Patron, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis said:

"At this moment in history, where we all have an increased awareness of the vital importance of looking after our environment so that we can live in harmony with nature, it is a pleasure and an honour to support the excellent work of The Forest of Marston Vale Trust as their Patron. I have long been impressed by the huge difference they make to our lives in Bedfordshire. Their outreach programmes, which engage young and not so young, enable greater understanding of the part we can all play in nurturing our natural world so that future generations will benefit. Plant a tree today and just imagine a child, one hundred years from now, playing under its boughs - a beautiful thought!"

For more information please contact our Communications Officer.

Latest

Gardeners corner - activities in May

Our Gardening Volunteers do a terrific job of keeping the garden areas at Millennium Country Park looking their best in every season - here's what they've been up to in May.
Simple ways to help tackle climate change at home - Part of Great Big Green Week

This month, we are celebrating The Great Big Green Week, a week-long annual celebration to inspire action to tackle climate change and protect nature. In addition to getting involved in activities in the local community, there are plenty of things you can do at home in your own garden to help wildlife and tackle climate change.
The Great Big Green Week 2023

We are getting involved in The Great Big Green Week to show our support for taking action to protect the planet and, more importantly, to invite you along to join us!!
Plant a wood, leave your mark, Grow your Roots

Trees for Climate is a five year, multi-million-pound woodland creation programme that offers landowners and community groups the opportunity to transform their land through tree planting. Creating a wooded area is more than just planting trees, it’s about the benefits they bring for wildlife and future generations.