Congratulations to the Forest of Marston Vale Trust; national forest appointment

Congratulations to the Forest of Marston Vale Trust; national forest appointment john.day Tue 18/08/2026 11:16am 18 August 2026 Countryside 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