JANUARY - DECEMBER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN YOUR PARKS Our Parks 18 2 29 11 13 31
25 Easy reference fold-out guide 32 5 36 41 1. Ashland Lakes 9 2. Black Horse Wood 22 19 3 37 3. Brooklands Meadows Park 42 24 4. Broughton Brook Park 8 4 5. BMX Track 28 4 6. Caldecotte Brook 21 7. Caldecotte Lake Oakgrove
8. Campbell Park 20 26 Eastern Western Expansion Area 9. Canal Broadwalk Expansion Area 10. Elfield Nature Park 16 11. Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve 40 12. Furzton Lake 34 14 38 13. Great Linford Manor Park 35 14. Hazeley Wood 32. Stony Stratford 10 15. Howe Park Wood Nature Reserve 6 30 1 16. Kents Hill Park 33. Tattenhoe Valley 17. Kingsmead 34. Teardrop Lakes 12 23 7 18. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 35. The Toot 19. Linford Wood 36. Tombs Meadow 27 20. Lodge Lake & Loughton 37. The Tree Cathedral 15 21. Middleton Park at Newlands 33 22. Millfield 38. Walton Lake 23. Mount Farm Trials Park 39. Waterhall Park 17 24. Loughton Valley Park 40. Whitehouse Park 25. Ouse Valley Park 41. Willen Lake North Eaton Leys 26. Ouzel Valley Park 42. Willen Lake South 27. Oxley Park 39 28. The Poplar Plantation Key 29. Stanton Low Park Route for the Parks Trust’s 25 Newton Leys 30. Shenley Wood mile challenge walk. For more 31. Stonepit Field details please visit our website. Supporting The Parks Trust Community
Volunteers are an essential part of our team at The Parks Trust and we value them highly. They generously give their time to help us manage our parks and landscapes across Milton Keynes and connect the local community and visitors with the parks, heritage and wildlife.
We benefit from the support of over 200 volunteers, who help us in many different ways including undertaking practical works such as habitat restoration; patrolling our parks and nature reserves as rangers and wardens; and helping us deliver our programme of events and outdoor learning activities in the parks each year.
We are so grateful to all our volunteers for the help they provide. We look forward to continuing to work closely together over the coming year.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering for The Parks Trust, please visit www.theparkstrust.com/get-involved/volunteering/ Welcome We are the charity caring for your parks. We look after over 6,000 acres of green space in Milton Keynes which equates to 25% of the city. We’re continuously growing, as the city expands, to take on new areas of parkland. As a self-financing charity we use the income from our commercial property and investments portfolio to allow us to pay for the vital work of nurturing and enhancing the parks.
We organise and enable over 500 events and activities in the parks each year, provide environmental education for hundreds of schools and community groups through our outdoor learning program and support a team of over 200 volunteers.
We create beautiful and inspirational parks, lakes and landscapes that will be loved by the people of Milton Keynes, forever.
You can get up-to-the-minute information about our events by signing up to our e-newsletter at www.theparkstrust.com or by following us
theparkstrust @theparkstrust theparkstrust 1 Regular Activities
Community Litter Picks: A series of litter picks across Milton Keynes Parks and Run: Free fun runs for all ages and abilities with a choice parks. Equipment and gloves will be provided. Come prepared for of routes from 2km to 10km. outdoor work with suitable clothing and footwear.
Tree Tots: A weekly meet up at Howe Park Wood for pre-school Discover: A series of short education courses for adults. children and their parents to explore the woodland and take part in some outdoor nature play.
Women’s Walking Network: Get to know your parks better and Discovery Strolls: Short strolls for anyone and everyone. Please see make some new friends. Walks are normally 4-5 miles and at a our website before the event date with regards to accessibility. moderate pace.
Easy Riders: A series of bike rides organised by the MK Cyclists Woof Walks: Dog walks led by The Parks Trust Rangers through our Touring Club. Please bring inner tube(s), pumps, tools, lock, parks. Booking essential. waterproofs and money on all rides. Car parking available at all meets. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit http://www.mkctc.org.uk/easy_riders.html for details. Youth Explorers: An afterschool outdoor learning group for young people aged between 11-14 years. Five week courses focusing on wildlife and conservation. Milton Keynes Rose: A series of events and activities at the central space for commemoration and celebration in Campbell Park.
Youth Rangers: An outdoor youth volunteering group for young people aged 14-17 years. Take part in practical conservation work in Orienteering: Learn how to use a map whilst having fun in the different parks around Milton Keynes. parks. Run by South Midlands Orienteering Club. Visit www.smoc.info for details.
Visit our website for more details. www.theparkstrust.com 2 3 Other Activities
Cricket: Campbell Park Pavilion cricket ground hosts many cricket matches throughout the year. The annual match list will be available on our website from spring 2020. THE GIFT Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sundays: Open days run once a month by the Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.
Ride Out: Run by Whaddon Chase branch of The Pony Club GB and Cromwell Group of Endurance BG. Booking two weeks in advance is essential. OF The centre:mk gift card can be used in over 200 shops and restaurants.
Available to buy from: • Guest Services Lounge (near TK Maxx) • Information point outside M&S • Online at centremk.com
All our events are subject to change. Up-to-the-minute information and confirmed timings, terms and conditions, and additional events can be found at www.theparkstrust.com. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Most of our events are outdoors, please come dressed for the weather.
AND 1000s MORE Events which carry the symbol must be booked in advance. Book online at www.theparkstrust.com or call our events line to confirm your place on 01908 255379. 4 5
AS02522 MK GC Advert_A6.indd 1 29/10/2019 14:08 MENU JAN JANUARY
THU 2 JAN Women’s Walking Network Meet at Woughton Playing Fields, Newport Road just north of H8 Standing Way. Ouzel Valley Park | 10am | £1/person
SUN 5 JAN Parks and Run Meet in the Bradwell Abbey car park, Alston Drive, off H2 Millers Way. Loughton Valley Park | 10am | Free
SAT 25 JAN Talk & Walk: Wildlife of MK - Our Wetland Birds Come along to this talk and walk which will introduce wetland birds and bird watching. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £3/person
MON 27 JAN Holocaust Memorial Day We remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in many parts of the world. Park in centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use footbridge in the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park | Free
WED 29 JAN Talk: Who are The Parks Trust? SUN 19 JAN A uniquely MK project Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Ever wondered who we are and what the charity does? Come along Open Sunday to this talk and find out about the charity that cares for 25% of Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, the city. Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. 10am - 4pm | Free Howe Park Wood Education Centre | 7pm - 8.30pm | £1/person 6 7 MENU FEB FEBRUARY
SAT 1 FEB THU 6 FEB Setsubun-Bean-Throwing Festival Talk: Wildlife of MK - Bats, Newts and Celebrate the start of Spring by chasing out negative spirits with other rare species beans and inviting in the positive with sweets! Park in the Peace Enjoy this evening talk with local wildlife enthusiasts as they talk Pagoda car park, off V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. about bats, newts and other species found in MK. Park at Howe Park Buddhist Temple, Willen Lake North | 6pm | Free Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District. Howe Park Wood Education Centre | 7pm - 8.30pm | £3/person SUN 2 FEB Parks and Run Meet in Arts Centre car park, Parklands off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park | 10am | Free
THU 6 FEB Women’s Walking Network Meet at Tattenhoe Pavilion car park, Holborn Crescent, MK4 3EQ. Tattenhoe Valley Park | 10am | £1/person
SUN 16 FEB Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. 10am - 4pm | Free
SAT 29 FEB Introduction to Bushcraft: Shelters and Knots Learn to build a basic shelter and other useful Bushcraft skills. Adults only session. Access to the site is from The National Bowl, V4 Watling Street. Elfield Park | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £5/person 8 9 MENU MAR MARCH
SUN 1 MAR Parks and Run Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park | 10am | Free
WED 4 MAR Stars in the Park Explore the skies with our rangers and UK Astronomy. A great session for beginners and families to learn more about our solar system. Campbell Park Pavilion | 7:30pm | £5/person
THU 5 MAR Women’s Walking Network SAT 14 & SUN 15 MAR Meet at the Haversham Road car park, off V6 Grafton Street. Discover: Basket Making - Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve | 10am | £1/person Two day course Learn the art of basket making using natural materials at this session which is ideal for beginners. Adults only course. Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood Education Centre | 10am - 5pm | £75/person
SUN 15 MAR Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. SUN 8 MAR 10am - 4pm | Free International Women’s Day THU 19 MAR We mark the contribution made by women in our society under Introduction to Bushcraft: Whittling the 2020 theme: ‘An equal world is an enabled world’. Park in the Learn the age-old skill of whittling. Adults only session. Access to the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which site is from The National Bowl, V4 Watling Street. leads into the park. Elfield Park | 12.30pm - 2.30pm | £10/person MK Rose in Campbell Park | 10am | Free
10 11 A year at
• Between January and March, we are busy planting. On average we plant around 40,000 units each year; to replace failing plants, for remodelling projects, The Parks Trust replacing diseased trees and to replace areas affected by utility/third party intrusions.
• Our sheep and cattle graze on The Parks Trust’s land between March and November and are found mainly in the river valleys.
• As the weather improves, grass cutting, and shrub management is undertaken between April and September.
• Re-surfacing of our leisure routes usually starts in May, with resurfacing of over 11 kilometres likely to take place over the summer.
• Summer is the time we look to rebuild/refurb bridges and boardwalks as required.
• Most of our park furniture refurbishment work is planned to coincide with the warmer summer weather. You will see various seats, tables and fences with a fresh lick of paint on them at this time of year.
• Once bird-nesting has finished (late August onwards) hedge cutting can proceed. We have over 40 miles of hedges to manage!
• Over the summer our rangers will have been busy carrying out patrols, ensuring the parks are being enjoyed and used appropriately and any unexpected issues are dealt with quickly.
• Every week of the year our play areas are routinely inspected and repaired as required, but during autumn/winter you might start to see some new additions to the parks. The year-round work of our operations team is vital to ensure • Tree surgery is undertaken from October onwards, as we try to retain our older or our green spaces remain beautiful and accessible to all. This work maturing trees. changes with the seasons and includes: • Our cricket bat willow trees are harvested during October and November, with replanting of sets soon after. The profits from these are put back into the • Tree thinning, which is generally undertaken across the parks between October maintenance of our green spaces. and March to avoid the heights of the bird nesting season. Thinning ensures the retained trees have the space to grow, while allowing light into the understorey. • Between October and December work in the mature woodlands takes place. This is also an opportunity to remove weak or diseased trees. Work includes thinning, coppicing and opening up the rides, which all allows wildflower areas access to essential light levels. • Coppicing of shrubs takes place from December to March and is carried out for many reasons including; retaining plant health, promoting strong stem colour, maintaining sight lines and forward views along paths. 12 13 MENU APR APRIL
THU 2 APR Women’s Walking Network Meet at the car park located off Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood | 10am | £1/person
SUN 5 APR
Parks and Run SUN 12 APR Meet in the car park at MK Museum, McConnell Drive, Easy Riders off H2 Millers Way. 20 mile led cycle ride on country lanes and tracks to the Ouse Valley Park | 10am | Free Bike Bus in Cranfield. Meet at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, Queens Avenue, MK16 8PY. SUN 5 APR Flower Festival 10am - 2pm | Free Ceremony celebrating the birth of the last Buddha with lots of SUN 19 APR flowers, reflection and multi-faith prayers. Park in the Peace Pagoda Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve car park, off V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Open Sunday Buddhist Temple, Willen Lake North | 3pm | Free Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, SUN 5 APR Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Orienteering 10am - 4pm | Free Park in the car park off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft MON 20 APR District Centre MK4 3GG. Community Litter Pick Howe Park Wood | 10am - 12noon £5 for individuals and families Meet in the car park on Penshurst Crescent, off V8 Marlborough Street. Ashland Lakes | 10am - 12noon | Free
TUE 21 APR Discovery Stroll Refreshments will be available to purchase at the Old School Café after the walk. Meet at Manor Farm offices car park, Manor Farm Court, Old Wolverton Road. Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve | 2pm | Free
14 15 APRIL
WED 22 APR Discover: Wildflowers Join this guided walk and discover bluebells, orchids and other woodland flowers in this ancient woodland. Meet in the car park at Enfield Chase, off V7 Saxon Street. Linford Wood | 6.45pm - 8.45pm | £5/person
SAT 25 APR Woof Walk Join our rangers with your four-legged friends for a walk around the park and our ‘Doggy Pitstop’ with lots of information and fun for your pets after the walk. Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog
SUN 26 APR International Workers Memorial Day Remembrance service for International Workers Memorial Day. Park in centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the parks. MK Rose in Campbell Park | 11am | Free
TUE 28 APR Discover: Wildflowers Sat 23 May & Sun 24 May Join this guided walk and discover bluebells, orchids and other FREE Willen Lake South woodland flowers in this ancient woodland. Meet in the car park at ENTRY Enfield Chase, off V7 Saxon Street. 12noon - 5pm Linford Wood | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £5/person 16 MENU MAY MAY
SAT 2 MAY May Day Dance around the Maypole and celebrate May Day with The Parks Trust. Fun for all the family with traditional May Day celebrations, children’s entertainment, stalls, children’s rides and canal boat trips. Park in the car park off Marsh Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park | 12noon - 4pm | Free
SAT 2 MAY Orienteering Ouzel Valley Park | 2pm - 4pm THU 7 MAY £5 for individuals and families Women’s Walking Network SAT 2 MAY Park in the Roman Villa car park, Constantine Way, Bancroft Park. Adult Bat Walk Loughton Valley Park | 10am | £1/person Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn FRI 8 MAY about these amazing creatures. Meet in the Woughton Playing Fields car park, Newport Road, just north of the H8 Standing Way. VE Day Woolstone and Woughton Canalside | 9pm | £2/person We mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the World War II conflict in Europe. Park in the centre:mk car park (John Lewis end) and use SUN 3 MAY footbridge into the park. MK Marathon MK Rose in Campbell Park | Free Join in the running or cheer on the runners along the route. SAT 9 MAY Visit www.mkmarathon.com for details. Adult Bat Walk TUE 5 MAY Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about Introduction to Identifying Life these amazing creatures. Meet in the car park on Queen Eleanor Street, in your Ponds Stony Stratford. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve | 9pm | £2/person Ever wanted to pond dip, but thought you’d missed the boat? Come to this adult exploration of creatures in our ponds. Meet at the SAT 9 MAY & SUN 10 MAY car park off H4 Dansteed Way, Bradwell Road, Loughton. MK Walking Festival Lodge Lake | 11am - 12.30pm | £5/person Milton Keynes Walking Festival features walks across the city for all ages and abilities. For most walks booking is essential or preferable. Please see our website for the walks programme.
18 19 MENU MAY MAY
SUN 10 MAY Parks and Run Meet in the car park on V11 Tongwell Street just north of the Pineham Roundabout. Willen Lake North | 10am | Free SUN 17 MAY Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve SUN 10 MAY Open Sunday Easy Riders Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton 25 mile cycle ride on roads, country lanes and tracks to Winslow. Ride Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH starts out on road and route back uses route 51. Meet at McDonalds, Westcroft MK4 4DD. 10am - 4pm | Free 10am - 2pm | Free TUE 19 MAY THU 14 MAY Discovery Stroll Introduction to Identify and Help Bees in MK Refreshments available to purchase during the walk. Meet at Enfield Chase car park, off V7, Saxon Street. Introduction to some key bee species and what you can do to help them. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Linford Wood | 2pm | Free Great Linford, MK14 5AH. SAT 23 MAY & SUN 24 MAY Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 7pm - 9pm | £5/person Big Doggie Do SAT 16 MAY Bring your four-legged friends and enjoy charity stalls, activities and Woof Walk dog shows throughout this exciting weekend. Park at Willen Lake, off V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Meet in the ‘star’ car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Willen Lake South | 12noon - 5pm | Free Furzton Lake | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog THU 28 MAY Community Litter Pick Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low | 10am - 12noon | Free
SAT 30 MAY Colour Obstacle Rush The Colour Obstacle Rush is a unique event combining the fun of colour powdered runs, the thrill of an obstacle course and the atmosphere of a music festival. Willen Lake South | 10am | Entry fee applies 20 21 MENU JUN JUNE
THU 4 JUN Women’s Walking Network Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low | 10am | £1/person
SAT 6 JUN & SUN 7 JUN Art in the Park Festival SUN 7 JUN Annual arts festival presented by MK Islamic Arts, Culture and Easy Riders Heritage focussing on themes of creativity and connectivity. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use footbridge into Take part in the Three Counties Challenge Ride. 100 kilometres on the park. road circular ride in aid of Willen Hospice and Cyclists Defence Fund. Meet at the Bike Bus, Bourne End, Cranfield MK43 0AU. Campbell Park | 1pm - 6pm | Free 10am - 4pm | Entry fee £10/person SUN 7 JUN Parks and Run TUE 9 JUN Discover: Tree Identification Meet in the car park behind the Windmill pub, Lakeside Grove, off H10 Bletcham Way. Learn to identify trees in our parkland and understand how we manage the landscape. Meet at the ‘water garden’ car park, Newport Caldecotte Lake | 10am | Free Road, off H7 Chaffron Way, Woughton-on-the-Green. SUN 7 JUN Ouzel Valley Park | 7pm - 9pm | £5/person
Orienteering MON 15 JUN Park in the ‘star’ car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the Albert French Day National Bowl. Albert was a young man from Wolverton who was killed in action in Furzton Lake | 10am - 12noon | £5 for individuals and families World War I at the age of 16. We work with students of a similar age to honour the ultimate sacrifice of young people in war. Park in the centre:mk car park (John Lewis end) and use footbridge into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park | Free
TUE 16 JUN Discovery Stroll Meet at the car park on Woodall Close, Middleton. Ouzel Valley Park | 2pm | Free
22 23 MENU JUN JUNE
WED 17 JUN Easy Riders Join in with the vintage cycle ride for Bike Week. 12 miles on Redway and leisure routes. All welcome, especially vintage cycles and vintage dress. Meet at Great Linford Manor Park by the High Street gate, MK14 5AX. Great Linford Manor Park | 7pm - 9pm | Free SUN 21 JUN th THU 18 JUN Peace Pagoda 40 Anniversary Ceremony th Discover: Tree Identification Celebrate the 40 anniversary of the first Peace Pagoda in the western hemisphere with multi-faith prayers, speeches for peace Learn to identify trees in our parkland and understand how we and a buffet lunch. Park in the Peace Pagoda car park, off V10 manage the landscape. Meet at Queen Eleanor Street Carpark, off Brickhill Street and follow parking stewards’ instructions. Parking Queen Eleanor Street, Stony Stratford. charges apply. Ouse Valley Park | 11am - 1pm | £5/person Willen Lake North | 12noon- 4pm | Free THU 18 JUN SUN 21 JUN Easy Riders Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Join this breakfast ride for Bike Week. 20 miles cycle ride on country Open Sunday lanes and tracks to Salcey Forest Café. Meet at Wolverton Railway Station, MK12 5LJ. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Ouse Valley Park | 9.30am -12noon | Free 10am - 4pm | Free SAT 20 JUN Woof Walk SUN 21 JUN Easy Riders Meet in the car park off Queen Eleanor Street, Stony Stratford. 30 mile cycle ride on country roads and tracks to Stoke Bruerne. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog Meet at Cofferidge Close, Stony Stratford MK11 1BY 10am - 2pm | Free
MON 22 JUN Community Litter Pick Meet in the car park off Mill Road, Water Eaton. Waterhall Park | 10am - 12noon | Free
24 25 MENU JUN JUNE 26 JUNE - 5 JUL 2020
FRI 26 JUN - SUN 5 JUL MK Festival of Nature MK Festival Celebrate the brilliant biodiversity in Milton Keynes with a variety of nature themed events, guided walks, talks and activities. See the full programme at www.mkfestivalofnature.org of Nature
SAT 27 JUN A special programme of activities India Day to celebrate the beautiful and Now in its second year, ID:MK is calling one and all to come and inspiring nature found in Milton witness the uniqueness of Indian culture and heritage in one big Keynes’ green space. carnival. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge into the park. Campbell Park | Free
TUE 30 JUN Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Meet at Great Linford Manor Park by the High Street gate, MK14 5AX. Great Linford Manor Park | 9:45pm | £2/person
Organised in partnership with The Parks Trust, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and Milton Keynes Natural History Society.
www.mkfestivalofnature.org
26 MENU JUL JULY
WED 1 JUL Conservation Challenge for 14-17 year olds Help us improve the habitats at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve as part of the Festival of Nature. Take part in a practical task and end the session warming marshmallows on the fire. Meet at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 7.00pm - 9.00pm | Free
THU 2 JUL Women’s Walking Network SUN 5 JUL Meet in the ‘star’ car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Orienteering Park in the car park on Newport Road, next to Asda Furzton Lake | 10am | £1/person on Oakridge Park. SAT 4 JUL Stanton Low | 10am - 12noon | £5 for individuals and families
African Diaspora Festival SAT 11 JUL Following the success of last years’ Africa Diaspora Day, Global Explore: Crickets and Grasshoppers Outreach Foundation in conjunction with local African Community groups in MK present a celebration of African culture. Park in Can you tell your crickets from your grasshoppers? Join this centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use footbridge into workshop and discover how to identify these insects. Meet in the car the park. park on Newport Road, opposite Oakridge Park. Campbell Park | Entry fee applies Stonepit Field | 2pm - 4pm | £5/person
SUN 5 JUL TUE 14 JUL Parks and Run Disability Awareness Day Meet in the car park by Broughton Fields School, Shackerstone We celebrate the contribution of people with disabilities in the areas Close off Milton Road. of sport, the arts and the workplace. Park in the centre:mk car park (John Lewis end) and use footbridge into the park. Broughton | 10am | Free MK Rose in Campbell Park | Free
TUE 14 JUL Discover: Beautiful Butterflies Join this guided walk and discover the butterflies in Shenley Wood with a local butterfly enthusiast. Meet in the car park on Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood | 2pm - 3.30pm | £5/person 28 29 JULY
THU 16 JUL TUE 21 JUL Public Open Meeting Discovery Stroll Annual open meeting at The Parks Trust. Discover our present and Refreshments will be available at St. Andrews Church after the walk. future plans. Park at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, Meet in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, MK9 4AD. Great Linford. Campbell Park | 6pm - 8pm | Free Great Linford Manor Park | 2pm | Free
FRI 17 JUL - SUN 26 JUL SUN 26 JUL International Festival World Picnic Produced by The Stables and taking place every two years, IF: Milton Join our annual celebration of music, dance and food from around Keynes International Festival is now a major landmark event in the the world. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use cultural calendar. Visit www.ifmiltonkeynes.org the footbridge into the park. Festival Central in Campbell Park Campbell Park | 1pm - 6pm | Free
SAT 18 JUL WED 29 JUL Woof Walk Parkland Play Meet at the car park located off Merlewood Drive, just off V2 Join the rangers for an afternoon of family fun with games, activities Tattenhoe Street. and a chance to learn about water safety. Park in the car park off Shenley Wood | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog Haversham Road, at the end of V6. Ouse Valley Park | 1pm - 3pm | Free SUN 19 JUL Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve FRI 31 JUL Open Sunday Family Bat Walk Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Join our bat enthusiast for this family friendly evening walk and learn Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. about these amazing creatures. Meet at the car park located off 10am - 4pm | Free Merlewood Drive, just to the east of V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood | 9.30pm | £2/person MON 20 JUL Community Litter Pick Meet in the ‘star’ car park, off V4 Watling Street opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake | 10am - 12noon | Free
30 31 MENU AUG Youth Groups AUGUST
SAT 1 AUG & SUN 2 AUG Filipino Festival Join one of our youth groups and take part in conservation Milton Keynes Filipino Festival returns this year, celebrating Filipino food, music, challenges and discover wildlife in your local park. dance and culture. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge into the park. Youth Rangers Youth Explore Courses Campbell Park | 10am - 6pm | Free A volunteer group for young people These five week courses are for young aged 14-17 interested in gaining people aged 11-14 years old, to help WED 5 AUG hands-on skills and experience in them gain experience and valuable MK Playday environmental work. The programme practical skills in various outdoor Join in the biggest day of play with the MK Play Partnership. See the different zones, provides the opportunity to make a topics, including Wildlife Identification, join in with activities and games and enjoy the main stage entertainment. real difference to the parks and wildlife Bushcraft and Conservation. For the full programme see www.mkplayday.co.uk in MK. Use the pay and display centre:mk car parks or public transport for CMK and follow the Redway footbridge which leads into the park. Cycle parking will be available. For more information visit: www.theparkstrust.com/outdoorlearning Campbell Park | 11am - 4pm | Free THU 6 AUG Women’s Walking Network Education Centre Open Days Meet in Hazeley Wood car park, Grange Farm off H4 Danstead Way. Howe Park Wood Hazeley Wood | 10am | £1/person Open every Tuesday and Friday between 10.30am - 2.30pm during Easter, summer THU 6 AUG and half term school holidays. Hiroshima Day Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Annual floating lantern ceremony at the Peace Pagoda. Park in the Open every Thursday 10.30am - 3pm Peace Pagoda car park, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. in Easter and school summer holidays. Willen Lake North | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | Free 32 33 MENU AUG
TUE 18 AUG AUGUST Discovery Stroll Refreshments will be available to purchase at the café at the end of SAT 8 AUG the walk. Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Explore: Magnificent Moths Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District. Howe Park Wood | 2pm | Free Take part in activities with our local experts as they attract and identify a beautiful variety of moths. Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, FRI 21 AUG Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Seaside in the City Howe Park Wood Education Centre | 8.15pm until late | £3/person Dress up as your favourite underwater character and join the rangers SUN 9 AUG for a family fun afternoon with games and activities around the lake. Orienteering Try free taster sessions of activities available at Willen Lake. Park at Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking on the field off Marsh Drive, MK14 5AS. Willen Lake South | 10am - 3pm | Free Great Linford Manor Park | 10am - 12noon £5 for individuals and families MON 24 AUG
FRI 14 AUG Community Litter Pick Family Bat Walk Meet at the ‘water garden’ car park on Newport Road, off H7 Chaffron Way, Woughton on the Green. Join our bat enthusiast for this family friendly evening walk and learn about these Ouzel Valley Park | 10am - 12noon | Free amazing creatures. Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford MK14 5AH. TUE 25 AUG Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 9pm | £2/person Parkland Play SAT 15 AUG Join the rangers for an afternoon of family fun with games and activities. The Woof Walk rangers will be located by the play park off Aiken Grange. Oakgrove | 1pm - 3pm | Free Meet in car park off Simpson Road, Simpson. Ouzel Valley Park | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog FRI 28 AUG Parkland Play SUN 16 AUG Join the rangers for an afternoon of family fun with games and activities. Park in the Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve car park on Newington Gate, Ashland, off V8 Marlborough Street. Open Sunday Ashland Lakes | 1pm - 3pm | Free Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. SAT 29 AUG 10am - 4pm | Free Family Bat Walk Celebrate International Bat Night with us on this family friendly evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 8.30pm | £2/person 34 35 MENU SEP SEPTEMBER
THU 3 SEP Women’s Walking Network Meet in the car park at Willen Pavilion, off Portland Drive, Willen, MK15 9JP. Willen Lake North | 10am | £1/person
SUN 6 SEP Parks and Run Meet in the car park on Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood | 10am | Free
WED 9 SEP Adult Bat Walk SUN 13 SEP Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn Heritage Open Day Tours about these amazing creatures. Meet in the car park off Newport Join us as we celebrate some of the heritage of Milton Keynes and Road just south of H8 Standing Way. showcase some of the pillars. Park in centre:mk car park (John Lewis Walton Lake | 8pm | £2/person end) and use footbridge into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park | Free SAT 12 SEP Introduction to Foraging SUN 13 SEP Join this session looking at food for free in our parkland spaces. Meet Orienteering at the ‘water garden’ car park, Newport Road, off H7 Chaffron Way, Park at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Woughton-on-the-Green. Campbell Park | 10am - 12noon | £5 for individuals and families Ouzel Valley Park | 10.30am - 12pm | £5/person TUE 15 SEP SAT 12 SEP Discovery Stroll Pride:MK Refreshments available at the education centre after the walk. Park Family friendly, accessible, diverse event celebrating the LGBTQ+ at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford community in MK. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) MK14 5AH. and use the footbridge into the park. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 2pm | Free Campbell Park | 12noon - 10pm | Free SAT 19 SEP Woof Walk Meet in the car park off Mill Road, Bletchley, MK2 2UZ. Waterhall Park | 10am - 12noon | £1/dog 36 37 MENU OCT SEPTEMBER OCTOBER
SUN 20 SEP THU 1 OCT Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Women’s Walking Network Open Sunday Meet in the car park by Broughton Fields School, Shackerstone Close Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton off Milton Road. Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Broughton | 10am | £1/person 10am - 4pm | Free SAT 3 OCT Introduction to Bushcraft: Whittling and Coppicing Find out how to whittle using natural materials. Adult only session. Access to the site is from The National Bowl, V4 Watling Street. Elfield Park | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £15/person
SUN 4 OCT Parks and Run Meet in the ‘star’ car park off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake | 10am | Free
SUN 11 OCT Orienteering MON 21 SEP Park along Breckland, off H3 Monks Way, MK14 6FG. Community Litter Pick Linford Wood | 10am - 12noon | £5 for individuals and families Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on SUN 11 OCT Oakridge Park. Easy Riders Stanton Low | 10am - 12noon | Free 30 mile cycle ride on country roads and tracks to Salcey Forest. WED 23 SEP Meet at Wolverton Railway Station MK12 FLJ. Introduction to Foraging 10am - 2pm | Free Join this session looking at food for free in our parkland spaces. Meet at the car park at Manor Farm, off Wolverton Road Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve | 1pm - 2.30pm | £5/person
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THU 15 OCT SUN 1 NOV Talk: Our Hedgehog Habitats Parks and Run Learn how to help hedgehogs in MK, make a hedgehog tunnel and Meet in the car park off V11 Tongwell Street just north of the discover how best we can help this important native species. Park Pineham roundabout. at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, opposite Willen Lake North | 10am | Free Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood | 7pm - 8.30pm | £3/person TUE 3 NOV Talk: Who are The Parks Trust? FRI 16 OCT A uniquely MK project Stars in the Park Ever wondered who we are and what the charity does? Come along Explore the skies with our rangers and UK Astronomy. A great session to this talk and find out about the charity that cares for 25% of the for beginners and families to learn more about our solar system. city. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Great Campbell Park Pavilion | 6.30pm | £5/person Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 7pm - 8.30pm | £1/person SUN 18 OCT Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve THU 5 NOV Open Sunday Women’s Walking Network Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Meet in the Windmill pub car park, Lakeside Grove, Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. H10 Bletcham Way. 10am - 4pm | Free Caldecotte Lake | 10am | £1/person
MON 26 OCT SUN 8 NOV Community Litter Pick Easy Riders Meet at Campbell Park Canalside car park, Silbury Boulevard 30 mile cycle ride on country lanes and tracks. Meet at Newport just off Overgate. Pagnell Medical Centre, MK16 8PY. Campbell Park | 10am - 12pm | Free 10am - 2pm | Free
FRI 30 OCT Spooky Halloween Walks Dare to take a walk in the wood and celebrate Halloween by joining one of our spooky walks? Walks get scarier as the evening progresses... Howe Park Wood | 6pm - 9pm (timed slots) | £7/person
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MON 9 NOV TUE 1 DEC Introduction to Bushcraft: Shelter Building Discover: Tree Identification in the Winter and other useful skills Learn to identify trees in the winter with our landscape team. Meet Join this introductory session and learn how to build shelters and at the ‘water garden’ car park, Newport Road, off H7 Chaffron Way, other useful Bushcraft skills. Access to the site is from The National Woughton-on-the-Green. Bowl, V4 Watling Street. Ouzel Valley Park | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £5/person Elfield Park | 10.30am - 12.30pm | £5/person WED 2 DEC WED 11 NOV Talk: The Wonderful Wildlife of Tattenhoe Armistice Day Find out about the fascinating wildlife in Tattenhoe Parkland. Park An annual commemoration of all those who have given their lives at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, opposite in times of war, including a two-minute silence at 11am. Park in the Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. centre:mk car park (John Lewis end) and use footbridge into the park. Howe Park Wood | 7pm - 9pm | £3/person MK Rose in Campbell Park | 10.45am THU 3 DEC SUN 15 NOV Women’s Walking Network Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Enjoy tea and mince pies at the education centre after the walk. Meet Open Sunday in the car park off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite the Westcroft Centre. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Howe Park Wood | 10am | £1/person Linford, MK14 5AH. SUN 6 DEC 10am - 4pm | Free Parks and Run WED 18 NOV Meet at Woughton Playing Fields, Newport Road just north of H8 Talk: Can you Tell Your Crickets from Your Grasshoppers? Standing Way. Learn about the local species of crickets and grasshoppers and how to identify Ouzel Valley Park | 10am | Free them. Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, Chaffron Way, opposite TUE 8 DEC Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood | 7pm - 8.30pm | £3/person Family Christmas Crafts Using natural materials enjoy this session making Christmas decorations. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 7pm - 9pm | £5/child All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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THU 10 DEC Discover: Christmas Wreaths Come and make a Christmas wreath using natural materials harvested from the parks. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | 7pm - 9pm | £45/person
SAT 12 DEC Discover: Christmas Wreaths Come and make a Christmas wreath using natural materials harvested from the parks. Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve | Times on website | £45/person
SUN 13 DEC Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Education Centre, Wolverton There are activities on the Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. 10am - 4pm | Free water... off the water...
SUN 13 DEC and in the air! Carols in the Cathedral • Go canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding Join us for our annual carolling afternoon, this year held at the Tree • Get out onto the lake by boat or drift Cathedral. Bring a lantern and wrap up warm. Meet in the Willen along in a pedalo Lake car park, on V10 Brickhill Street for a small procession to the event. Parking charges apply. • Come climb, swing and jump around our Treetop Tree Cathedral | 3pm | Free Extreme high ropes course tackling a series of obstacles including rope bridges, zip wires and Tarzan swings • You could even try sailing, windsurfing or wakeboarding • And your little ones will love Splash ‘n’ Play, our outdoor water park www.willenlake.org.uk 44 2020 European City of Sport Enjoy your local Parks We love seeing people using the green spaces across Milton Keynes, whether it’s walking the dog, birdwatching or enjoying an event. However, litter is a growing problem across our parks, and we need your help! It costs us over £350,000 a year to clear up litter and dog mess across our parks. We’d like to ask everyone visiting our parks to take their litter home with them and pop it in the bin. We’d much rather be spending this money on improvements to the parks for all to enjoy long into the future!
This booklet is available in large print, audio and Braille format on request. Book online: www.theparkstrust.com Call: 01908 255379 Email: [email protected]
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