The Forest of Marston Vale Trust has been appointed as the development partner for England's second new national forest.
The announcement was made by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of the government's plans to help protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030.
The new national forest will be located within the Oxford-Cambridge corridor and is expected to cover between 50,000 and 150,000 hectares – an area larger than the Isle of Wight.
The appointment follows an open and competitive selection process. The Forest of Marston Vale Trust will now work with Defra and the National Forest Company to develop plans for the new national forest.
Earlier this year, we publicly supported the trust's bid, recognising its success in transforming the scarred landscape of the Marston Vale and delivering environmental, economic and community benefits across the area.
Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
I would like to offer my congratulations to the Forest of Marston Vale Trust on this significant achievement.
The Trust has an exceptional track record, having transformed one of England's most challenging post-industrial landscapes into an environmental success story. What was once a landscape scarred by clay extraction, brickmaking and landfill has been revitalised through decades of investment and vision, with tree cover increasing from 3% to 17% and bringing significant benefits for nature, communities and climate resilience. The new appointment builds on that legacy.
We look forward to seeing how this project develops and to continuing to work with partners to support sustainable growth alongside a thriving natural environment.
James Russell, Forest Director of the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, said:
We're delighted to have been chosen as the development partner for the second new national forest. Building on thirty years of experience creating the Forest of Marston Vale and delivering wide ranging benefits for people, nature and the planet, we look forward to working with Defra and the National Forest Company over the coming months to bring this exciting new endeavour to life.
Further information about the new national forest will be announced in due course.