Political Opinion: Expanding the Forest of Marston Vale can benefit Bedfordshire for generations to come

With the Forest of Marston Vale at its centre, our constituency has a chance to lead the way in protecting nature while planning for growth.

The Forest of Marston Vale is more than trees. It is a transformation of land once scarred by our historic brickmaking industry into a thriving natural haven. Since the 1990s, tree coverage has grown from just 3.6% to nearly 17%, with almost three million trees, shrubs, and hedgerows planted. The forest provides green spaces for everyone, improves habitats for wildlife, and proves that long-term environmental investment works.

Yet Bedfordshire still faces a nature and biodiversity crisis. Ancient woodlands are under pressure from population growth and new housing developments, such as those around Keepers Place, and thousands more homes planned across the wider Marston Vale area. Reforestation is vital, but ancient woodlands cannot simply be replaced once lost. That is why I support the Woodland Trust’s call for stronger protections, including designating our ancient woodlands as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The Government’s plan to create a national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Mid Bedfordshire sits at the centre of that corridor and has the experience and community commitment to lead. Expanding the Forest of Marston Vale southwards, beyond its current boundary just north of Ampthill, would restore one of Britain’s most nature-depleted landscapes, support sustainable growth, and create a green space that can be enjoyed across the region.

I spoke about this during a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament recently and I was delighted that my constituency neighbours Chris Curtis MP (Milton Keynes North) and Alex Mayer MP (Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard) both also backed the proposal. They may be a different party to me, but by putting party politics to one side we can achieve great things for Bedfordshire and beyond.

Our countryside is at its best when nature and communities thrive together. With careful planning and ambition, we can continue to develop responsibly while leaving a lasting legacy of thriving woodlands for our children and grandchildren. Mid Bedfordshire has the chance to show how growth and green spaces can go hand in hand. And we should seize it. Expanding and protecting our woodlands will benefit everyone across Mid Bedfordshire, now and for generations to come.