SPRING 2007

Commen ree
CREATING THE FOREST OF MARSTON VALE

I S S U E N o. 4 3

NEW WOODLAND AT LIDLINGTON
Nearly three hundred people enjoyed the feel of soil on their hands last December, when around 1,750 trees were planted in four hours at a new woodland site to the north-east of Lidlington. The new woodland, which will be managed by the Forest Team, has been made possible through a housing development in Lidlington by David Wilson Homes. The woodland will be open to the public and a cycle path will soon be built through the site, to connect Lombard Street with Marston Road.

PHOTO: CRAIG CANNON

GREEN GATEWAY OPENS
Tree planting at Wiles Wood and The Kill this February will complete the current stage of a massive project started by the Forest Team in 2000
Around 60,000 trees have now been planted in Bedfords 47 hectare (113 acre) Green Gateway. When we started to plant Van Diemens Land more than six years ago, creation of a Green Gateway seemed a very challenging target says James Russell, the Teams Woodland Development Manager.

A FOREST IN BEDFORDSHIRE

There was no shortage of stories to put into this edition of Commentree a sure sign that there is now more going on in the Forest than ever. Our tree planting day in Lidlington was huge thanks to all of you who helped; and heres a final call this winter to all tree planters out there, to join us on Sunday 11 February, at Wiles Wood, when we hope to get another couple of thousand trees in the ground (full details elsewhere). So, no space for Timberlands fantastic wetland creation at the Forest Centre youll just have to wait until May for the next edition. Happy 2007, Guy Lambourne

Be A Part Of It

Sunday 11 February is the day you are invited to plant trees at Wiles Wood. Come anytime between 11am and 3pm to savour the feeling of being involved in something so positive and exciting. Wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes and bring a spade if you have one. We will provide everything else you need trees, tools, tea and a toilet.
both the Forest Centre and Hastingsbury School and its only a 10 minute walk to the site from Hastingsbury, so why not walk from there? Thanks to Hastingsbury and Ridgeway Schools and the Child Development Centre for the use of their car parks.

CEMETERY RD

But now that the trees are in the ground, you can really get a feel for the huge effect the Gateway will have on the landscape. Just over a third of the land is open space and all of it will be open to the public. (More details inside)
RIDGE RD HIGH ST KEMPSTON HASTINGSBURY SCHOOL

How To Get There

A free bus shuttle service will run continuously between 10.45am and around 3.15pm; picking up at the Forest Centre, Hastingsbury School and the planting site. There is plenty of free parking at

HILL RISE

HOW TO GET THERE

THE PARK TRAIL

If you walk in the Millennium Country Park this winter you might notice some work we are doing on the poplar trees around Stewartby Lake
The two hundred or so trees were planted by the London Brick Company over thirty years ago to screen the Brickworks from view and most are now over seven metres tall. Poplars are fast-growing and naturally short-lived and ours are approaching the end of their lives. The aging process is being hastened by the larvae of the hornet clearwing moth (Sesia apiformis), an exciting looking beast, pictured right, which creates extensive tunnels, generally at the base of the tree. Its larvae feed on live wood and exposed roots; a process that can kill trees and leave them susceptible to being blown over in high winds. Because the trees are used by our local woodpeckers we are trying to keep as many as possible standing. We must however, take into account the risk of the trees falling, so many will be reduced to two or three metres in height so that they pose no hazard to members of the public. Some trees will have to be felled completely because of their location but some will be left intact as long as they are not considered dangerous. We will re-plant the areas with native trees to make sure the woodland habitat is maintained.

PHOTO: BIOPIX.DK

HORNET CLEARWING MOTH
PHOTO: FOREST OF MARSTON VALE
If you have any questions about the trees or the park please get in touch with Alexis Pym on: Alexis.Pym@marstonvale.org Thanks to Biopix.dk for the use of their Hornet Clearwing Moth image.
DYING POPLAR AT THE COUNTRY PARK

DRAFT MASTERPLAN

Do you remember this big idea that we were talking about last summer a massive new Park to the east of Bedford, between Priory and Willington?

sneak preview accessible natural greenspace, good access links (including cycle paths), floodplain forest, biofuel coppice and open space where everything from walking the dog to festivals could take place. There will also be an explanation of the plans for a rowing lake. A short summary report will be produced that will bust the jargon and technical stuff, so that anyone who reads it can quickly understand whats being proposed. Theres still time to get involved. If you would like us to email you a copy, please let me know (by 9 March 2007) or visit www.marstonvale.org/brvp to find loads more information. Or why not visit our blog to get involved with the project: marstonvale.org/brvp/news

PLANT ONE ON TIMBERLAND

Timberland clothing and footwear is synonymous with the Great Outdoors. However, the company also believes that it is up to all of us as individuals to make our environments better and this ethos inspires all its actions from the use of recycled and sustainable materials in its products and stores to the management of its factories and transportation
2007 sees Timberland launch a worldwide re-forestation campaign, following the launch project in the UK a partnership with the Forest of Marston Vale. All Timberland stores in the UK are inviting customers to Plant one on us with Timberland promising that for every pair of boots bought in one of its stores, it will plant a tree in the Forest of Marston Vale. Initially, 20,000 trees are planned the first of which have already been planted. The rest will be planted in February involving hundreds of Timberland staff at The Kill and Wiles Wood. Timberland recently launched this campaign at its London flagship on Regent Street where it planted a huge tree garden on the pavement and pledged to plant a tree for every single sale made on that day over 350 in total.
Well, we talked to loads of organisations government and nongovernment as well as many hundreds of individuals through the course of last summers events. After a great deal of work we are about to publish a draft master plan. The draft plan will be published on 2 February and comments are welcome for five weeks. All the organisations that were involved will receive an email version and so too will the individuals who gave us an email address last summer. We will contact all those without an email address by post to let them know where a paper copy can be found.

Where Next?

We intend to set up a community forum to encourage individuals and organisations to stay involved with Bedford River Valley Park as it develops over the coming years. Everyone who has told us they wish to be involved will be offered the chance to take part. If you missed out, please let me know. Bedford River Valley Park will be massive for Bedfordshire dont miss the chance to get involved.

Whats In The Plan?

The plan will describe the growth agenda and policy background, touching on climate change and national, regional and local policies on green infrastructure, open space, recreation, flooding and biodiversity. Theres simply not space here to tell you about the main proposals the really exciting bits; but heres a
Guy Lambourne guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org

GRIZZLED DELIGHT

Eastern England has witnessed a 40% decline in the grizzled skipper butterfly in recent years, but the Marston Vale is now one of the best areas to see it
Disused gravel working, railways and other disturbed sites often provide ideal conditions. The grizzled skipper is one of the first small butterflies to emerge each year and the first adults are seen in mid April and fly for about 4-5 weeks. This is a delightful butterfly, often difficult to follow with the eye, because if not resting it seems to be frantically darting about on urgent business. Its distinctive black and white chequerboard wing pattern means it is unlikely to be confused with any other butterfly although it could be mistaken for small day-flying moths such as latticed heath or mother shipton. Adults need plenty of spring flowers for nectar and the caterpillars eat plants such as wild strawberry and creeping cinquefoil which grow in short vegetation in sunny, sheltered situations. To find out more about grizzled skippers, join a survey on 29th March 2007 and a guided walk on 19th May; both to be held at the Forest Centre in Marston Moretaine.

PHOTO: A MALLEY

For more information and a colour leaflet contact Sharon Hearle on 01638 731648, e-mail: shearle@butterfly-conservation.org or visit: www.butterfly-conservation.org

GRIZZLED SKIPPERS FULL OF THE JOYS OF SPRING

PHOTO: JOHN OREILLY

Blazing sunshine contributed to the party atmosphere at Woodworks! in 2006
Getting on for 5000 people enjoyed a weekend of trees, woodcrafts, beer and great music in the beautiful surroundings of the Millennium Country Park at Marston Moretaine. If you missed it, make a note of the dates of this years show now 8 & 9 September 2007.
If you are a woodworker, craftsman, artist or scientist and would be interested in taking a stall at Woodworks! this year, please contact us or visit: www.marstonvale.org/woodworks. See you there!
CONNECTING WITH THE EARTH
Forty-four Earthwatch volunteers from all over the country converged on The Kill in Kempston Rural in January, to help us get planting at the site off to a flying start
Earthwatch, an international institute that matches conservation volunteers from around the world to suitable research projects, recruited all the volunteers involved and we were delighted to welcome them to Kempston Rural. wildlife to live and also for local people to relax and enjoy themselves. By getting involved in planting trees, Earthwatchs volunteers are also likely to think about their actions that have an effect on the environment. Volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with a welcome hot meal back at the Forest Centre. Huge thanks to Earthwatch and all the volunteers involved.

PHOTO: EARTHWATCH

www.earthwatch.org

What Volunteers Said

The event connects the soul with the Earth, unusually inspiring and spiritual Jin Qian Really enjoyable day and exceptionally well organised Thanks. Laura Bradley
A GREAT DAY OUT DESPITE THE MUD!
Around 1200 trees got planted at The Kill and when fully grown they will have neutralised about 72 tonnes of carbon dioxide says Simon Reid, Earthwatchs Operations Manager. This site along with the others in the Green Gateway and throughout the Marston Vale will enhance the beauty of the landscape, provide places for

YOUR SUPPORT THE VITAL INGREDIENT
If you see Commentree regularly, you will have read about the Forest of Marston Vales successes in recent years and the significant amount of money that we have brought in to pay for many exciting new projects
You might assume because of this success that we no longer need your support. But we wouldnt have secured any of these grants without your help and we need you to support us now as much or probably more than ever. Whether finances come from business, Landfill Tax or the Government, all funders want to be sure that they are contributing to successful projects that people really want. We are able to demonstrate that you like and support what we do, by quoting the number of you who become Volunteers and Friends and who come to our events or visit the Forest Centre. The level of your support really seals the argument for so many of our funders. The money you help raise through donations, volunteering or becoming a Friend is vital to our
FOREST VOLUNTEERS BRAVE THE COLD AT THE COUNTRY PARK

BEDFORDS GREEN GATEWAY

By the end of February, the Green Gateway will have grown to more than 46 hectares (113 acres) of broadleaved woodland and open space, right on the doorsteps of Wootton and Kempston
As more surfaced paths, seats and information boards are added, and the trees begin to mature, we hope local people will use the woods more and more, for walking, relaxation, running and a whole lot more. And that means people moving into new houses as well as those of us who live here now. Wiles Wood and The Kill, the newest sites planted this winter complete two continuous blocks of woodland which will form a green wedge between Wootton and Kempston. Dont miss our public planting day on Sunday 11 February, at Wiles Wood. Details on the front page.
success. Funders will generally only support specific projects, so the Trust has to find money to keep the Forest Team going, and the grant applications flowing; its your contributions that help make this possible. To continue this success, we depend on your support. A donation of money certainly makes a big difference, but non-financial support is just as important. So please visit our sites, come to our events, plant and adopt a tree, become a Friend or a Volunteer, its all invaluable. Even enjoying a cup of coffee at the beautiful Lakeside Caf in the Forest Centre is contributing to the success of the Forest!
To find out more call or visit: www.marstonvale.org
FOREST OF MARSTON VALE FRIENDS
One great way to help us create the Forest of Marston Vale is to join our Friends group
As well as supporting our work, for just 24 a year you will receive these great benefits: off the price of tree adoptions (worth 5 when adopting one tree) 3 editions of CommenTree mailed to you

More To Come

Twenty five hectares more land will be brought into the Green Gateway over the next few years as a result of development planned on land west of Kempston. These are at Green End, near Bell Lane and close to Van Diemens Land.
Free family entry to Woodworks, our annual festival of woodcraft and live music 10% discount on weekend room hire at the Forest Centre Unlimited free family entry to the Wetlands at the Millennium Country Park
Pop into the Forest Centre and ask at reception, visit: www.marstonvale.org or call us on 01234 767037.
Planting Mix: 20% Open ground (remains unplanted)
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FOREST VOLUNTEERS

If you have time to spare and would like to help, please call Guy Lambourne on 01234 762608, or e-mail: volunteers@marstonvale.org
Pedunculate oak Ash Field maple Silver birch Wild cherry Crab apple Rowan Aspen/White willow 10% Woody shrubs (e.g. hazel, hawthorn, dogwood, wild privet)

g ncin it fe rabb

SITUATIONS VACANT!
TREE ADOPTION ADMINISTRATOR
(These positions are voluntary.)
5m wide unplanted strip against all boundaries
Our successful tree adoption scheme raises a significant amount of money for the Trust each year and enables lots of people to feel part of the growing Forest
Could you help? You would need to be able to come into the Forest Centre once a week for a couple of hours and you should be able to use Word and Access or be willing to learn!
ROUTE & SITE AUDITORS
www.letsgo.org.uk is a web site, managed by Forest Volunteers, that now contains over 160 places to visit in Bedfordshire
All of the routes and sites are being audited for details of stiles, gates, path surfaces, slopes, and more. You would need to be able to reach and get around the lovely places we will send you to. These are often in open countryside. We will pay your travel expenses. Time required to suit you. Some knowledge of map reading and experience of walking in the countryside would be helpful.
The Kill: Woodland Design
4.75 hectares of new native woodland

The Name Of The Wood

Creation of five new woods since 2000 has required us to dream up five new names. But thats not really true because all the names adopted either existed in some form already or are directly related to something or someone very local to the site. A round-up follows
For more information about either of these jobs, please call Guy Lambourne on or e-mail: guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org

Bedfords Green Gateway

Not to scale

BUTTONS RAMSEY

(c.8ha; planted 2004/5) B

ord edf oB T

ad e Ro Hom

THE KILL

(c.6ha; planted 2006/7)

d e Roa Ridg

Kempston

51 te ou R

RIDGEWAY WOOD
(c.13.5ha; planted 2004/5)

WILES WOOD

(c.11ha; planted 2006/7)

ane End L Wood

Gibraltar

VAN DIEMENS LAND

(c.8ha; planted 2000-3)

Wood End

Bell Farm
TREE PLANTING OPEN SPACE BUILT UP AREA ALLOCATED DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC FOOTPATH

n tto oo d W Roa

Keeley Lane
Swan Sculpture Roundabout

Cr os s

PUBLIC BRIDLEWAY FOREST TRACK FOREST TRACK YET TO BE CONSTRUCTED ROAD BEDFORD WESTERN BYPASS ROUTE HASTINGSBURY SCHOOL

Po tte rs

Wootton

Wood End Lane

Approx. 10m wide woodland ride Area of high ground left as open space

O/H power lines

Public Footpath
5m unplanted strip against watercourse Existing mature Oak standard on field boundary 1.22ha area of Ridge & Furrow pasture which will not be planted
Ex isti ng sto ck -p ro of
Planting Mix: 25% Open ground (remains unplanted)

fe nc in g

Approx. 700m of 3m wide constructed forest track Wootton Road
c.5m wide unplanted strip against all boundaries Approx. 775m of 3m wide constructed forest track
Wiles Wood: Woodland Design
11 hectares of new native woodland
Van Diemens Land The existing name of the field we planted, probably named at a time when Van Diemens Land made the news, perhaps when it was renamed Tasmania in 1856.

You can find out more about these sites and many others throughout the county at: www.letsgo.org.uk
Buttons Ramsey The pre-enclosure name of one of the fields planted here. Ramsey is probably a reference to Ramsey Abbey; an institution that owned large areas of land in this area during the medieval period. The Kill The field name of part of the land that
we have planted. We know nothing about the name; all suggested explanations welcome.
Ridgeway Wood Named through a public
consultation. The names Ridgeway and Ridge appear in a number of places locally and Ridgeway was the most popular variant.
Wiles Wood Named after the family who farmed this land before it was acquired by the Marston Vale Trust.
DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY WWW.LGDIGITAL.CO.UK TEL 01234 843900

Whatson?

BIRD WALKS
Join our expert and friendly Volunteers to discover the birds and other wildlife in the Millennium Country Park this spring. All are on Saturdays. Booking is required in advance but pay the leader*. Walks cost 3 / adult and 2 / child and concessions* inc. volunteers and members. Walks vary in length and cross rough, uneven ground that will be wet at times. Wrap up warm and bring binoculars if you can. For bookings call 01234 767037. (*Except Dawn Chorus Walk)

CONSERVATION TASKS

Join our volunteer team to do something for the environment, get some exercise and have fun. We carry out a variety of practical projects. Wear old clothes and bring lunch. Meet at the Forest Centre finishes about 4.15pm. For further details please contact: alexis.pym@marstonvale.org or 01234 762614.
SAT 17 FEB WILLOW WEAVING OF THE ARCHES & WILLOW HUTS SUN 25 MARCH MANAGEMENT OF THE WETLAND AREAS; WILLOW & REED CUTTING SAT 14 APRIL SENSORY GARDEN: WEEDING & DEAD HEADING THE FLOWERBEDS SUN 20 MAY REPAIRING SITE STRUCTURES, BENCHES & SIGNS IN THE COUNTRY PARK SAT 16 JUNE WILDFLOWER SURVEY FOR RARE & UNUSUAL PLANTS / RAGWORT PULLING

FOREST CENTRE CAFE

MOTHERING SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2 COURSE LUNCH 14.95 Booking essential. FROM 26 MARCH HOME-COOKED LUNCHES SUNDAY LUNCHES Served 12-2pm 7.99. OVER 50S LUNCHES 2 courses 6.
HOLIDAY STUFF FOR KIDS AT THE FOREST CENTRE
All require booking in advance. Cost 1/child, payable at reception on the day. Suggested age range years.
7 APRIL, 8 11AM EARLY SPRING MIGRANTS
Mark this Easter Saturday by seeing whats on the move.
THURS 15 FEBRUARY, 10AM 12.45PM CAMOUFLAGE COLLAGE
Learn about animal and plant camouflage and make your own collage.
5 MAY, 4.30 7.30AM THE 7TH ANNUAL DAWN CHORUS WALK & BREAKFAST
8 adult, 5 child, payable in full on booking. No concessions. Always worth the effort to hear our amazing feathered orchestra at full tilt. All the warblers should be here by then. Make this the year you learn to separate a whitethroat from a willow warbler! Price includes full English breakfast in the Forest Centre caf. Vegetarian breakfast available.

TREE PLANTING

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY, 11AM 3PM WILES WOOD, KEMPSTON RURAL
Your last chance of the season to make a real contribution to the growing Forest, by planting a tree. All welcome for full details, see front page.
SUN 8 APRIL, 10AM 12.30PM SPRING STORIES & EGG HUNT WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL, 10AM 12.45PM SNAILS, SLUGS & SLIMY THINGS
Learn about those things that live under rocks. Make your own slug and snail.
12 MAY, 7 10AM DAWN CHORUS FOR LATE RISERS
Another chance to sample the delights of the early morning country park, but a bit later. Still loads to see and hear.

SUNDAY STROLLS

A Gentle Sunday Walk on the first Sunday of every month 10.15 for 10.30am. Join us in the Country Park for a gentle walk to hear how the Park was set up and a little about the surrounding area. The walk will keep to hard surfaced tracks in the Park which are mostly level but have short sections of gradient up to 1:9. Call Guy Lambourne for more details or e-mail: guy.lambourne@marstonvale.org. Cost 1, payable on the day no need to book. Meet at reception. Walks last approximately 2 hours.
MONDAY 28 MAY SUNDAY 3 JUNE 10AM 6PM (BOOKING NOT REQUIRED) FAIRY TALE DRAWING COMPETITION

Throughout half term we will be providing paper and pens for children to draw their own fairytale creature. Ages 1 and up. Prizes awarded at the Pirate and Mermaid Adventure Day in July. FREE to enter.
9 JUNE, 8 11AM WILDLIFE WALK
A late spring walk to explore the wildlife that abounds in the country park flowers, trees, dragonflies and of course birds.
FRIDAY 1 JUNE, 10AM 12.30PM WILDFLOWER WALK
Join us to look for wildflowers on our guided tour of the park. Gentle walk.

FARMERS MARKET

Second Sunday of every month at the Forest Centre, from 10am to 3pm. For further details e-mail: mygardenfriend@aol.com or call 01234 378920.
FULL DETAILS OF ALL THESE EVENTS CAN ALSO BE FOUND AT: WWW.MARSTONVALE.ORG/EVENTS
THE FOREST CENTRE & MARSTON VALE MILLENNIUM COUNTRY PARK
The Forest Centre is family friendly and provides the perfect facilities for a day out. The fully licensed Lakeside Caf, kids adventure play area, bike hire, an art gallery and gift shop full of beautiful unusual and fun things for everyone. Stretching over 250 hectares, the Country Park has a mosaic of habitats from wetlands to woodlands lakes & lagoons. It is now home to a wealth of wildlife in particular wild birds. Discover some of the new inhabitants who can be viewed from paths, boardwalks & bird hides. Many trails are surfaced and flat. Coming by train? From Bedford or Bletchley, alight at Millbrook or Stewartby Station then walk to the Forest Centre (about 20 minutes walk). For timetable details, contact Silverlink County on 08705 125240. Bus Information Line: 01234 228337

TravelSmartuk.Com

OPENING HOURS (7 DAYS A WEEK) UNTIL 25 MARCH 10AM TO 4PM FROM 26 MARCH 10AM TO 6PM
For further information on any items in CommenTree, or to contact the Forest Team, write to us at: Forest of Marston Vale, Forest Centre, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Beds MK43 0PR, or contact us on: Tel: (01234) 767037 Fax: (01234) 762606 E-mail: info@marstonvale.org Website: www.marstonvale.org
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