Case study: Flitwick nature park "A new community space for people and nature" Project summary After historic plans for the site had been put on hold, the land, owned by Flitwick Town Council had been left fallow for a number of years. Thanks to the support from the Forest of Marston Vale and funding from the Trees for Climate programme, it has been transformed into four zones to support public access, bird habitat, wood pasture and an area of hazel coppice. The new space will be renamed as Flitwick Nature Park. Project description The original concept for the 27.5 hectare site, owned by Flitwick Town Council, was to create a 'nature park' that would deliver on ecological, leisure and community involvement aspirations, along with a green burial site and orchard. When the green burial plan was put on hold, the land was left for several years, resulting in a rough grass sward through which multiple desire lines had been established by dog walkers and joggers. The field was already dotted with self-set oak saplings and provided habitat for ground nesting birds such as skylarks. Design and Consultation After consultation regarding services, ecological interest, heritage assets and public access, a design was presented to the owners which addressed their key objectives and reflected the site’s location within the Greensand Ridge, and with views towards Flitwick and Ampthill. The scheme was planted in four zones with a mix of public and corporate volunteers supporting professional contractors to plant 38,738 trees and shrubs. Midas Pattern Company planting Dishoom planting Wooden Hill Coffee Roasters planting Woodland Compartments The woodland Compartments featured species such as pedunculate oak, red oak, scots pine, hornbeam, field maple, small leaved lime, silver birch and hazel. Shrubs including hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, guelder rose, dogwood, spindle and crab apple, along with hedgerow trees that included oak, field maple, wild cherry and hornbeam were used to create over 1500m of new hedge. Three compartments were planted with hazel whips that, once established, will create a working hazel coupe. Working with Wassledine, a local hazel and willow producer, the landowner will manage the compartments with the assistance of volunteers to produce materials for gardening, basket making, hedge laying and similar projects. The hazel compartments will be managed on an eight-year rotation, with all profits from the sale of products being used to help manage the site. Silver birch and oak standards were planted amongst the hazel to boost biodiversity. The remainder of the site is a mix of wood pasture with around 7 hectares left unplanted as grassland and fenced to protect ground nesting birds. A neglected space before planting During a community planting event After planting: A protected area for nesting birds Project impact 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. Enquire now Manage Cookie Preferences