Trees make life better. That’s why the Forest of Marston Vale charity has an ambitious vision of planting another 5 million trees in the 61 square miles of the Marston Vale, Bedfordshire.

Trees help to cool and clean our air, slow the rate of climate change and provide homes for our wildlife, they also reduce flooding, provide us with valuable raw materials and are good for our physical and mental health. It’s because of all these amazing benefits that the Forest of Marston Vale is proud to have planted 1.5 million trees, creating 11 community woodlands and growing a Forest for Bedfordshire.

Growing a forest of course costs both time and money. Much of the Charity’s resources are used to care for and sustain the woodlands already planted – trees and woodlands don’t just look after themselves! There’s hedge cutting, tree safety surveys, grass mowing, scrub management, path clearance, habitat management, maintenance of fences, furniture and signage and clearing up after anti-social behaviour. Then what you don’t see behind the scenes is the work being done to secure new planting areas, working with local authorities, landowners, developers and parish councils amongst others to find new pockets of land to turn into woodland for the community.

The important thing is that the Forest of Marston Vale is a community forest. Your forest. So whether you live within the Forest, work in the area or just visit for fun, you can be part of the creation and future of the Forest. There’s many ways you can do this…..visit the Charity’s Forest Centre in Marston Moretaine for breakfast, lunch or a cup of tea and a slice of cake. The Forest Centre also has events running throughout the year including music tribute nights, children’s activities, nature walks and family days.  Dedicate a Tree in the Forest to celebrate a special event, or Sponsor a Habitat to support the wildlife that lives there.

Becoming a Friend of the Forest puts you at the heart of the Charity, giving you access to a range of benefits as well as giving a regular contribution to help the Charity grow the Forest.  Membership of Friends of the Forest starts at £5 per month and in return you’ll receive:

• Free parking at the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine
• Free access to the Wetlands Nature Reserve in the Millennium Country Park
• Discounts in the Forest Centre gift shop and for room hire
• A tree dedicated to you in the Forest, with personalised Certificate
• Quarterly e-newsletter about the Forest
• Welcome Pack, including a membership card, seasonal Wetlands Nature Reserve maps and tote bag.

You can make a difference by joining as a Friend of the Forest of Marston Vale online at marstonvale.org/friends. You’ll be helping to grow your community forest and creating a Forest legacy that will last for generations!

Further details about the Charity are available from:
The Forest of Marston Vale, Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire MK43 0PR.
Telephone: 01234 767037
marstonvale.org
Email: info@marstonvale.org
Or contact Robina Ballard-Davis, Fundraising Officer on 01234 762605, robina.b-d@marstonvale.org

The Forest of Marston Vale Map