Central Bedfordshire Council Leader backs bid to expand Forest of Marston Vale
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Central Bedfordshire Council’s leadership strongly backs expanding the Forest of Marston Vale, aligning with government proposals to create 2 new National Forests across the UK.
The government recently announced plans to create two new National Forests, backed by a £1 billion investment in tree planting and nature recovery.
In a letter of support, the Leader, Councillor Adam Zerny and Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, have responded by championing the Forest of Marston Vale Trust and its potential to play a leading role in delivering the ambitions of the new programme.
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust has spearheaded one of the most remarkable landscape transformations in England. Once a heavily industrialised area scarred by clay extraction, brickmaking and landfill, the area has seen tree coverage rise from just 3% to 17% in 3 decades, delivering significant environmental and social benefits.
Despite being the smallest community forest in England at just 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes, the Forest of Marston Vale has had an outsized impact. By planting a staggering 2.75 million trees and shrubs, the project has created pockets of accessible woodland on people’s doorsteps. These spaces connect communities with nature, providing green areas to enjoy and safe havens for wildlife. They are also helping to increase local biodiversity and tackle the effects of climate change.
Councillor Adam Zerny said:
The Forest of Marston Vale is a powerful example of how long-term planning and joint-working, and community engagement can transform a landscape and bring about huge benefits for nature and wildlife.
Our letter emphasises the Forest of Marston Vale Trust’s proven expertise in integrating woodland creation with housing growth - a critical challenge in areas like Central Bedfordshire, where significant development is underway.
Councillor Tracey Wye added:
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust is a safe pair of hands when it comes to planting, growing and managing new woodland. The restoration of the former brickwork area around Stewartby to healthy forest is nothing short of remarkable.
And the work is not just about trees and wildlife; the positive impact on people’s lives is immense with greater access to nature and volunteering opportunities.
We strongly support the Forest of Marston Vale Trust’s bid to become a delivery partner for the New National Forest. We encourage the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to build on this success and replicate the environmental, economic and community benefits already being achieved locally on a much larger scale.