CARBON AWARE PRODUCTIONS
CARBON AWARE PRODUCTIONS
Woodland Restoration at the Forest of Marston Vale
Restoring Holcot & Reynolds Wood
Generous funds from Mother | Uber together with CAP clients have paid for 5000 trees to be planted this January 2026 at the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire. They will be part of a management plan to breathe life back into Holcot and Reynolds Woods.
History of the Forest
Once scarred by clay pits and over 100 smoking chimneys, the 61-square-mile Forest of Marston Vale between Bedford and Milton Keynes has undergone an incredible transformation. In the early 1990s, it became a Community Forest, and since then 2.75 million trees have been planted, creating 13 new woodlands. Tree cover has grown from just 3.6% to an impressive 16.9% - turning a landscape of industry into one of renewal and green life.
The Forest of Marston Vale Trust isn't ready to stop yet however.
They want to bring tree cover to 30%. Your funds are going to this Forest to revitalise Holcot and Reynolds Woods.
Holcot & Reynolds Woods © Marston Vale
HOLCOT & REYNOLDS WOOD
All woodlands need active management to truly thrive and deliver the benefits that healthy woods offer. After years without active management, Holcot and Reynolds Woods have been in dire need of intervention. The Forest Trust has a 10-year management plan - approved by the Forestry Commission & following UK Forestry Standards, Natural England and Woodland Trust guidelines - which aims to boost woodland resilience to pests, disease and climate change while enhancing biodiversity.
WORK DONE SO FAR
The Forest team have coppiced the woodland, cutting back branches, shoots and removing dead wood as an essential step one in the plan. This allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, stimulating the tree’s growth and encouraging wildflowers, grasses and shrubs to grow. As a result insects, birds and mammals will have been able to move in to former dead zones, creating a richer ecosystem.
ASH DIE BACK
The woodland has a significant ash component, much of which has been affected by ash dieback. Following advice from the Forestry Commission and Natural England, 70% of the affected ash have been removed.
5,000 trees
Funder's trees will be planted this January 2026 to replace the ash and boost growth throughout these woodlands. Species will include oak, hornbeam, field maple, hazel, Scot’s pine, silver birch, alder and small leaved lime.
