Plant a tree for Bedford Borough

Bedford Borough Council and the Forest of Marston Vale (FoMV) are inviting Bedford Borough residents to join our tree planting event at Jackman's Farm on Saturday 5 February 2022.

The event, which will run from 11am to 3pm, is part of an initiative to plant over 5,000 trees in the neighbouring woodland and country park to help combat the climate emergency.

It is also a part of the Council's recent commitment to plant over 10,000 trees during the current tree planting season.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "We're inviting local residents to walk, cycle, scoot or bus, where possible, to Jackman's Farm on 5 February and be part of this community effort to address climate change. You don't need any previous experience with planting, with our staff and volunteers giving demonstrations throughout the day. It will be a fantastic opportunity to be part of a great initiative, while spending time outdoors and getting some exercise. If possible, we'd ask that people email us to sign-up before the event. But if you don't have the opportunity beforehand, you can just turn up to Woodlands Sport Fields, Ashmead road, MK41 7GA from 11am on the day."

Although the Council is encouraging people to use a more sustainable form of transport to get to the event, a small amount of onsite parking will be available.

Jo Roberts, Community Engagement Officer for the Forest of Marston Vale, said: "This is a great opportunity for local residents to get involved and be part of something that will be a huge benefit to the people in their communities and the environment for generations to come. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis, but we can make a difference in the global fight against climate change and habitat loss by planting trees and supporting woodlands in our local community. Trees capture and store carbon through photosynthesis, locking atmospheric carbon up in living wood, roots and deadwood - even in the soil surrounding the woodland area. Planting more trees will help us build a greener, more resilient future for Bedford and the planet."

Attendees should wear suitable warm clothing, including gloves and boots. Equipment, such as spades and clout hammers will be provided on the day but the Council are inviting people to bring their own, where possible.

This project has been funded through the Trees for Climate programme - a multi-million-pound woodland creation scheme open to landowners and land managers, delivered by England's Community Forests as part of the national Government-led Nature for Climate Fund.

If you'd like to sign up to take part or have any questions, you can contact Bedford Borough Council's Volunteering team by emailing volunteering@bedford.gov.uk.