Case study: Medbury Farm, Elstow village

Project description

Medbury Farm is a great example of a working arable farm using the Trees for Climate scheme to reintroduce green corridors and increased habitats by planting trees to enlarge existing woodland.

The Forest of Marston Vale (FoMV) team worked closely with Mark and Kier Hall, tenants farmers of Medbury Farm, to develop a framework for tree and hedgerow planting that best suited their farming needs and the local environment. This included introducing a shelter belt as a buffer against nearby developments. The project ultimately expanded far beyond their initial plans, nearly doubling in scope with the addition of hedgerow planting and woodland blocks.

The reinstatement of woodland and hedgerows will encourage biodiversity while also protecting wildlife on the farm from development pressures.

What began as a natural screen for local development led to the planting of 40,000 trees across the entire farm.

In total, the Forest of Marston Vale Trust planted 13 hectares of new woodland, which will provide habitat for pollinators, insects, and birds while also supporting natural crop pest control across the land.

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Project summary

Mark and Kier Hall, had been considering reintroducing trees and hedgerows to their land for some time. They had explored several tree-planting grant schemes but felt the Trees for Climate project was the best fit for them due to its competitive options over a 15-year period and the support of a knowledgeable, experienced local team.

In 2021, they reached out to the Forest of Marston Vale Trust (FoMV) to explore the use of woodland shelter belts for screening the farmland and creating better habitats for nature and wildlife. Following discussions, Nick Marsh, Forest Creation Officer at FoMV, suggested incorporating a combination of new woodland and both new and reinstated hedgerow lines.

Incorporating woodland and hedgerows

The working arable farm is bordered by and includes small areas of established woodland, mostly planted thirty years ago, which now provide significant benefits for wildlife. The new woodland compartments were designed around these areas, with the goal of expanding existing tree cover and connecting them through green corridors. As discussions progressed, the initial number of trees nearly doubled following suggestions from Nick Marsh on how and where new woodland clusters could be located on marginal areas of the farm.

The Forestry Commission was involved from the initial referral through to the assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, alongside the Local Authority, which conducted consultations to evaluate the impact of planting on existing archaeology and biodiversity.

Tree planting and management

In total, nearly 40,000 trees, shrubs, and hedgerows were planted between November 2022 and February 2023, primarily consisting of mixed native broadleaved and conifer species such as oak, small-leaved lime, wild service, downy birch, field maple, and along with Scots pine together with shrubs like hawthorn, viburnum, blackthorn, and whitebeam. The woodland will be managed in accordance with UK Forestry Standard principles, from establishment through to initial thinning and respacing. Initial thinning will take place between years 15-20 post establishment. When managed according to good silvicultural principles, species such as oak, Scots pine, and wild service have the potential to produce high-quality sawlog timber.

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A successful outcome

Mark and Kier were so pleased with the final results that they agreed to participate in a Creative Concern video testimonial for England’s Community Forests (ECF) in February. The video featured interviews with Kier and Nick, along with great footage of the farm. Their enthusiasm and commitment to increasing biodiversity and expanding existing woodlands and hedgerows enabled us to plant 13 hectares of land.

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"The experience of working with our local Community Forest has been really smooth. We quickly realised that the team have got such fantastic local knowledge. They've delivered schemes in this area already, and they understood what we were trying to achieve here, and created a plan that was going to be practical to implement."

Kier Hall, on the ECF video (watch the video here)

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Project impact

Natural flood management and water quality

Throughout the farm there are small ponds and drainage ditches, now lined with thriving riparian edges. These waterways have been further enriched by carefully maintained wildlife margins, creating a diverse and supportive habitat for local flora and fauna.

Public access and management

The planting, near public rights of way and peri-urban Bedford, will enhance the wooded landscape once established, boosting visual impact, amenity, and ecology—especially vital near the A421 and new housing.

Enhancing wildlife

The woodlands and hedgerows will host pollinators, insects, and birds, aiding natural pest control. Native broadleaved species include oak, small-leaved lime, wild service, field maple, Scots pine, and shrubs like hawthorn, viburnum, blackthorn, and whitebeam.

Contribution to Net Zero

The scheme has been registered under the Woodland Carbon Code, the internationally recognised quality assurance standard for woodland carbon projects in the UK. As the woodland matures carbon credits will be generated, which can be sold to organisations looking to offset their carbon emissions. This benefits both the environment and the farm economy. 

Community or stakeholder involvement: 

The Forestry Commission were involved from referral to assessment. The Local Authority were involved in the consultation undertaken to determine the impact of planting on existing archaeology and biodiversity.

Long-term management & community involvement:

The woodland will be managed under UK Forestry Standard principles from establishment to initial thinning (year 15–20), with support from FoMV and tenants. Proper silvicultural management will enhance sawlog potential for oak, Scots pine, and wild service.

Build a legacy

The Forest of Marston Vale Trust helps landowners, farmers, schools, and communities enhance land and create green spaces.

A Trees for Climate grant can cover up to 100% of planting costs, with ongoing support and payments for environmental benefits. 

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