We are pleased to publish the following article from Simon Fisher, Forest Creation Officer, Forest of Marston Vale Trust. This will ensure future generations enjoy Waveney Green as we now enjoy Bedford Park.

Evergreens on the Green

You might have noticed some recent tree planting across some of Brickhill’s green spaces including Waveney Green.  If you look closely, you’ll notice that they are all conifer species and as they grow, they will provide a wonderful variety of sizes, shapes and colours.  The inspiration behind the trees has been taken from the conifers found in Bedford Park many of which were planted by the Victorians for the enjoyment of future generations.   The new trees can be followed from the park, across Mallard Hill and Robin Hill, through Merlin Gardens and onto Waveney Green – an evergreen trail.

A diverse range of species has been selected and they include more familiar trees such as Scots pine, cedars, Norway spruce and even a couple of giant redwoods.  Further variety is offered by conifers that might be less well-known including Bhutan pine, the deciduous swamp cypress, Douglas fir and western hemlock.  They will all provide continuing landscape variety as existing trees might be lost e.g. to poor health or safety concerns.

This is the latest example of partnership working between Bedford Borough Council and the Forest of Marston Vale Trust and both organisations were pleased to work with the support of Brickhill parish council.  The planting has been made possible by grants from the Trees for Climate programme, funded by UK Government via the Nature for Climate Fund and delivered by the Forest of Marston Vale Trust as one of England’s Community Forests.  As well as enabling the planting, the grant also supports ongoing maintenance including the all-important watering while the trees get established.  If you’re a landowner or farmer interested in planting trees on your land, get in touch with our Trees for Climate team and let’s start planting. Trees for Climate | The Forest of Marston Vale Trust .