Marston Thrift is an ancient woodland west of the Community Forest just off the main A421 and is on clay soil making paths boggy during the winter. The Thrift is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 but was part of a much larger woodland area, which included Wootton Wood, southeastern slopes of Cranfield, Holcot Wood and Salford Wood. However, due to the increasing population the area was subjected to continuous clearance and the remainder is what we have to-day. The Thrift is under the control of the County Council Planning Department who take great care of the Woodland and wildlife – the Blackthorn thickets and Elms that are grown here are particularly important food plants for butterflies.