Get closer to nature this summer
Make the most of the warmer weather and head outdoors with The Parks Trust, the charity caring for MK’s parks. Across almost 50 different parks there’s so much to do, including free and low-cost events as well as the huge choice of free play areas, leisure routes, trim trails and world-class outdoor artworks!
A great way to get the whole family outdoors and help your local environment, with all equipment for a safe litter collection provided (including special pickers for children). This 1-hour session is led by Parks Trust staff, who also take the rubbish away for disposal.
Walk & Talk: The Wildlife of Waterhall Park
12 August, 10am – 11.45am in Waterhall Park
Join an insightful walk and learn about the wildlife living in and around this park. Aimed at adults and children aged 12+ this walk will last roughly 90 minutes at a slow to moderate pace. Tickets are just £5 per person.
Howe Park Wood Open Mornings – Birds 13-15 August.
Parkland Play 14 August at Wildwood Play Area, Glebe Farm.
Roman Day
17 August, 12pm – 4pm in North Loughton Valley Park
Travel back in time when Roman Day returns to Bancroft Roman Villa, and be immersed in Roman life. Unearth archaeology with a guided tour of the villa ruins, meet Bucks Geology Group, and take part in themed crafts and activities – from pottery making to catapult firing! Plus, meet Time Tutors’ Roman Soldier and Roman woman to learn all about their way of life.
Milton Keynes MELA 18 August at Campbell Park, 12pm – 8pm.
Discovery Stroll
20 August, 2pm in Tattenhoe Valley
Suitable for all ages, and free to join, the Parks Trust’s Discovery Stroll series offers a light introduction to the city’s green spaces, giving residents the confidence to explore more of their local parks.
Howe Park Wood Open Mornings – Plants & Trees 20-22 August.
Parkland Play 21 August in Lady Margery’s Gorse Park, Whitehouse Park.
Accessible Guided Walk
22 August, 11am – 12pm in Broughton Brook
An accessible exploratory guided tour for walking, wheeling, and with hearing loop and descriptive guidance available. It’ll last roughly 45 minutes and cover about a mile in distance, with plenty of benches to take a rest as needed.
Parks & Ride 25 August in Ouzel Valley Park.
Parks & Run 1 September at Shenley Wood.
Recreation & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at The Parks Trust, David Lewis, says “There are lots of health benefits to spending time outdoors, so it’s really great to see so many residents active and enjoying the city’s green spaces. Our events are perfect for getting to know the natural world locally – covering everything from discovering a new park or new activity, to learning about the city’s heritage or wildlife”
If you’re looking to keep your family occupied in the summer holiday, the parks make for great entertainment! In addition to the summer programme, there are also lots of regular events for the whole community, including:
Tree Tots every Thursday morning at Howe Park Wood, offers 50-minute nature play sessions for pre-schoolers.
Women’s Walking Network meet on the first Thursday each month at varying locations (1 August at Shenley Wood).
Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walks last 90-minutes and occur twice monthly, the second Friday at 10.30am and the last Sunday at 2pm.
5 Ways Cafe at St. Andrew’s Church at Great Linford Manor Park is a dementia friendly community café on the second and fourth Tuesday every month, 11am – 1pm.
Head to theparkstrust.com/events to find out more about upcoming parkland events.
