THE CARBON NEUTRAL BRITAIN MOVEMENT
KATE HUMBLE - SHORT DOCUMENTARY - CLIENT | CARBON NEUTRAL BRITAIN - JULY 25
[SYNOPSIS]
Presented by broadcaster Kate Humble, this short documentary tells the industrial history of the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire — once a global centre for brick-making, producing around 20% of England's bricks, with 135 chimneys dominating the skyline — and the efforts to restore the natural landscape with support from Carbon Neutral Britain.
The film follows a planting day at one of Carbon Neutral Britain's project partners, exploring how tree planting restores biodiversity, tackles emissions and reconnects communities with a once-industrial landscape.
[TRANSCRIPT]
"I am with Carbon Neutral Britain, visiting one of their project partners in the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire, once a thriving industrial hub. For years, Marston Vale played a key role in Britain's industrial past — once a global centre for brick making. It produced around 20% of England's bricks, with 135 chimneys dominating the skyline.
The more habitats you have, the bigger the mosaic, the bigger the diversity, the more species you're catering to. So it's a great draw for wildlife.
It's not just about planting trees because they look great, or because trees are great for the environment — there are social and economic benefits to planting trees as well."
[CAST + CREW]
Presenter: Kate Humble
Directed: Cameron Doig & Lucy Steel
Produced: Cameron Doig & Lucy Steel
Camera: Ben Scrase & Lucy Steel
Drone: Ben Scrase
Sound: John Phillips
Edited: Cameron Doig & Lucy Steel
Studio Recordist: Joffy James
Runner: Shannon Eady
Client: Carbon Neutral Britain™
Partner: Forest of Marston Vale Trust
Project Type: Short Documentary
Location: Forest of Marston Vale, Bedfordshire
Year: 2025