Published 5th January 2026

2025 flew by in a blur of activity and achievement. As we look back, we are excited to share the moments that made 2025 special - from restoring precious habitats and planting trees to deepening our connection with you, our supporters, and bringing more people into the Forest through events, volunteering and shared experiences. Here’s what 2025 brought us.

Restoring, growing and protecting the Forest

2025 was a landmark year for the Forest, with major progress in woodland restoration, habitat care, and tree planting. Reynolds and Holcot Woods, which began their woodland restoration journey in 2024, truly came alive in 2025. Our team, assisted by volunteers, restored traditional woodland practices such as coppicing, that has already proven to improve biodiversity. These practices will also increase resilience to pests and climate change and help these ancient woods flourish again. We also launched our first Woodland Restoration Open Day at Holcot Wood, welcoming visitors and professionals to explore the woodland through guided walks, live demonstrations, and conversations about sustainable woodland management. Follow the restoration of Reynolds and Holcot Woods and read our blog series here.

Our Wetlands Nature Reserve continued to thrive, offering refuge for some of our most charismatic species. In 2025, we recorded at least three turtle doves, alongside our breeding bitterns and marsh harriers — a sign that our ongoing habitat management is making a lasting difference. To support the growing interest in wildlife watching, we replaced one bird hide entirely and upgraded another, incorporating accessibility features such as drop windows and lower benches so more of our community can enjoy the Wetlands.

Inspiring people and growing together

Our connection with the local community — visitors, volunteers, supporters, and partners — grew stronger than ever in 2025. In the summer months there were more opportunities to connect, including the Bedfordshire Motor and Kite Festival, where we met families, answered questions and shared more about the Forest and our work.  

The Great Big Green Week remained a highlight. Regular favourites like A Walk Amongst Trees and Discover Butterflies encouraged people to explore nature, while a new workshop — Tiny Worlds: A Macro Photography Workshop with Jack Bucknell — invited participants to see the Forest in a new light by focusing on micro life often missed by the naked eye. These events highlighted the power of collective action for nature, communities, and the planet.

We also invested in the next generation of foresters through our Forestry Traineeship programme. Our first trainee, Antonia Illingworth, completed her year-long placement, gaining experience in machinery handling, hedgelaying, willow weaving, and wider woodland management — an important step in helping young people build careers in green jobs. Later in the year, we welcomed two more trainees, Alex Arbenz and Anna Lynch, who began their journey with us in September 2025. Our Ranger Team also grew, as Frances Avenell joined us in November 2025 and quickly settled into their role, learning from our experienced Rangers throughout the winter.

In April, we welcomed TV presenter and writer Kate Humble, who explored our Wetlands Nature Reserve, visited our mature woodland, Rectory Wood in Cranfield, and planted a tree alongside our Corporate Friends of the Forest, Carbon Neutral Britain, who generously commissioned the project. You can watch the mini documentary of Kate’s visit to the Forest below.

Enhancing the Heart of the Forest

Enhancing your visit to the heart of the Forest of Marston Vale remained a major focus throughout 2025. The Forest Centre welcomes thousands of visitors for coffees, celebrations, walks, and meeting with friends. After 25 years, it was time for a fresh look — and the Forest Centre Team delivered just that. We introduced brand-new booths, wooden benches, and tables and chairs, transforming the interior into a fresh, welcoming space for all who visit.

A major milestone for the Forest was also celebrated in 2025: 25 years of the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park! The scenery surrounding the Centre is now unrecognisable from the heavily industrialised landscape it once was. The dramatic before-and-after comparison reveals just how far the Forest has come in a quarter of a century.

What we take forward into 2026

As we look back on 2025, we are proud of everything we achieved together — from restoring ancient woodlands and planting thousands of trees, to welcoming new members of our team, engaging with our community, and celebrating milestones at the Forest Centre. Every step forward has been made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, trainees, partners, and supporters like you. We can’t wait to carry this momentum into 2026, continuing to grow, protect, and celebrate the Forest of Marston Vale with all of you.

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If you’re passionate about protecting the species you see and hear, why not become a Friend of the Forest? Your donation helps us to protect and grow the Forest and other vital habitats within the Forest of Marston Vale, plus you a get a host of 'Friends' benefits such a free parking, and discounts in the Forest Centre.