The Parks Trust | The Parks Trust

Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

Our impact

2023-24 was another jam-packed year for our charity, with our team members and volunteers going above and beyond to deliver outstanding work throughout the seasons.

Read our Annual Report

Trees and shrubs

were planted across our 6,000 acres

Events

hosted in the parks for the local community

Students

engaged in our school sessions

Bales of hay

were produced from our hay cutting work

Landscape Management

We maintain and develop 6,000 acres of green space in Milton Keynes.

Nature & Biodiversity

We conserve local habitats and enhance opportunities for wildlife.

large triceratops the body is painted green with sunflowers dotted round which are yellow and the dinosaur has a blue head

Public Art

We care for over 30 pieces of public art across the city's parks.

Caring for the city's trees

We carry out most of our tree works in the autumn and winter months to avoid bird nesting seasons and to carry out maintenance whilst the trees are dormant.

During this period, you'll spot our dedicated landscaping team carrying out tree thinning, coppicing and planting work to develop the city's landscape and keep the parks safe for all to enjoy.

What's On

We host around 500 events and activities across Milton Keynes' green spaces every year. Check out what's on in your local parks.

View all events

Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walk

29/12/2024

Join the Friends of Great Linford Manor Park on a guided walk to discover the historic features of this unique site.

Women's Walking Network: Great Linford Manor Park

02/01/2025

Explore Great Linford at this monthly walking group for women.

Loughton Valley Park

Parks & Run: Loughton Valley

05/01/2025

Kick-off 2025 with the first Parks and Run of the year.

Tree Tots

09/01/2025

Weekly nature play sessions at Howe Park Wood.

Inclusive Stroll: Willen Lake South

13/01/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Two people sat drinking coffee inside church

5 Ways Cafe at St. Andrew's Church

14/01/2025

Come along for a cuppa, a chat or a gentle guided walk at the dementia friendly cafe.

Person walking through woodland searching for litter to pick up

Community Litter Pick: Linford Wood

17/01/2025

Help take care of one of our ancient woodlands by removing litter from the parkland.

Walk & Talk: Buds, Bark & Berries

22/01/2025

Find out how to identify trees in Winter.

Woof Walk: Campbell Park

25/01/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise at Campbell Park.

Holocaust Memorial Day

26/01/2025

Annual event when we remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in many parts of the world.

Walk & Talk: The Life of a Ranger

28/01/2025

Ever wondered what The Parks Trust Rangers get up to? Come along to find out!

Two people running along pathway in a park

Parks & Run: Great Linford

02/02/2025

Come along to February's fun run at Great Linford Manor Park.

Wetland Wander for World Wetlands Day

02/02/2025

Learn about the wildlife of wetlands at Floodplain Forest.

Walk & Talk: Bancroft Roman Villa

04/02/2025

Find out more about what archaeologists discovered on site.

Women's Walking Network: Furzton Lake

06/02/2025

Explore Furzton Lake at this monthly walking group for women.

Tree Planting at Howe Park Wood

10/02/2025

Join us on a practical tree planting session in our ancient woodlands.

Inclusive Stroll: Campbell Park

11/02/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Tree Planting at Shenley Wood

12/02/2025

Join us on a practical tree planting session in our ancient woodlands.

Tree Planting at Linford Wood

14/02/2025

Join us on a practical tree planting session in our ancient woodlands.

Peartree Bridge

Family Litter Pick: Peartree Bridge

17/02/2025

Help take care of one of our amazing artworks at this family litter pick.

Woof Walk: Ouzel Valley

22/02/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise along the Ouzel Valley.

Walk & Talk: Wellbeing Wander in Winter

28/02/2025

Join the Outdoor Learning Team on a calming walk where you will use your senses to get in touch with nature.

People running along pathway in Milton Keynes

Ouse Valley Park

Parks & Run: Ouse Valley Park

02/03/2025

Come along to the March Parks & Run event in Ouse Valley Park.

Team competing in Pancake Day race in purple aprons and bandanas

Corporate Pancake Day Race

04/03/2025

Calling local organisations to take part in the annual Pancake Race at Campbell Park.

People enjoying Women's Walking Network event in Milton Keynes

Caldecotte Brook

Women's Walking Network: Caldecotte Brook

06/03/2025

Explore Caldecotte Brook at this monthly walking group for women.

Walk & Talk: Our Ancient Woodlands

11/03/2025

Join us for an exploratory walk around this ancient woodlands and find out how The Parks Trust care for the wildlife in this space.

Tattenhoe Valley

Woof Walk: Tattenhoe Valley

12/03/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise along the Tattenhoe Valley.

Inclusive Stroll: Broughton Brook

12/03/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Two performers balancing on a hoop at circus show

Circus Zyair

19/03/2025

Circus Zyair returns to Campbell Park with thrilling performances and breath-taking stunts.

Tree Cathedral

Walk & Talk: The Tree Cathedral

28/03/2025

Explore our awe inspiring cathedral of trees on this guided walk.

Woof Walk: Linford Wood

29/03/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Linford Wood.

Parks & Ride: Campbell Park

30/03/2025

Join us for our first gentle ride of 2025 around Campbell Park and beyond.

National Spring Clean: Community Litter Pick

02/04/2025

Help take care of Campbell Park at this litter pick to celebrate National Spring Clean Week.

Women smiling at walking event in the park

Women's Walking Network: Ouzel Valley Park

03/04/2025

Explore Ouzel Valley Park at this monthly walking group for women.

Parks & Run: Campbell Park

06/04/2025

Come along to the April Parks & Run event at Campbell Park.

Woof Walk: Caldecotte Lake

09/04/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Caldecotte Lake.

Family Bat Walk: Great Linford Manor Park

14/04/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them at this family friendly bat walk.

Walk & Talk: Hocus Crocus: British Botanical Folklore

16/04/2025

Step into the world of myth, story and legend to learn about the historical beliefs and uses of British plants and trees.

Happy Easter Bunny with light blue jacket and yellow bow tie picture between two Parks Trust Volunteers

Whitehouse

Easter Eggstravaganza

16/04/2025

Join us for an egg-citing morning in Whitehouse to celebrate the Easter holiday.

Litter pickers picking up can and dropping into black bin bag

Teardrop Lakes

Family Litter Pick: Teardrop Lakes

17/04/2025

Help take care of your local park at this fun family litter pick.

Walton Lake

Bat Walk: Walton Lake

22/04/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them.

Lodge Lake

Woof Walk: Lodge Lake

26/04/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise at Lodge Lake.

Elfield Nature Park

Workshop: An introduction to whittling

26/04/2025

Ever wanted to try whittling something out of wood? Join this introductory session and find out how.

Parks & Ride: Caldecotte Lake

27/04/2025

Join us for a leisurely family ride around Caldecotte Lake.

Long eared bat holding resting on a tree

Bat Walk: Furzton Lake

01/05/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them at this amazing walk at Furzton lake.

Group of women walking alongside the canal

Women's Walking Network: Stanton Low

01/05/2025

Explore Stanton Low at this monthly walking group for women.

Marathon runners starting the run by passing through the blue inflatable start sign and a cloud of confetti.

MK Marathon

05/05/2025

Join in the running fun or cheer on the runners at the annual MK Marathon.

Group of people on a guided walk in Milton Keynes park

MK Walking Festival

08/05/2025

Celebrate National Walking Month with the MK Walking Festival 2025. A variety of events across 4 days showcasing how amazing Milton Keynes is.

Pathway along Milton Keynes lake with blue sky and clouds

Ashland Lakes

Inclusive Stroll: Ashland Lake

08/05/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Walking Festival: Bat Walk

09/05/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them as part of the Walking Festival 2025.

Teardrop Lakes

Walking Festival: Woof Walk

10/05/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around the Teardrop Lakes.

Stonepit Field

Walk & Talk: Weed or Wildflower? An introduction to plant ID at Stonepit

14/05/2025

What makes a weed? Come along on this guided identification walk to find out! We will delve into the world of wildflowers.

Big Doggie Do

17/05/2025

Join us at Willen Lake for a pawsome weekend celebrating all things dogs!

Stonepit Field

Woof Walk: Stonepit Field

24/05/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Stonepit Field.

Parks & Ride: Furzton Lake

25/05/2025

Join us for a leisurely family ride around Furzton Lake and Tattenhoe Valley.

Walton Lake

Family Bat Walk: Walton Lake

28/05/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them at this family friendly bat walk.

Workshop: Moth Night

29/05/2025

Due to popular demand, Moth Night is back for 2025! Join us at Howe Park Wood for an evening of moth trapping and identification with a local expert.

Two people running next to a lake in Milton Keynes

Parks & Run: Caldecotte Lake

01/06/2025

Come along to June's Parks & Run event at Caldecotte Lake.

Women's Walking Network: Floodplain Forest

05/06/2025

Explore Floodplain Forest at this monthly walking group for women.

Bat Walk: Great Linford Manor

06/06/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them.

Inclusive Stroll: Furzton Lake

09/06/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Woof Walk: Howe Park Wood

11/06/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Howe Park Wood.

Wheelchair Ramble: Great Linford Manor Park

15/06/2025

Free guided wheelchair ramble, designed to build confidence in visiting our parks.

Albert French Commemoration

15/06/2025

Annual service at the Milton Keynes Rose commemorating sacrifice of young people in the First World War.

Walk & Talk: Summer Tree ID at Bancroft Park

16/06/2025

Join us for an evening stroll around Bancroft Park to identify different trees in the parkland.

Volunteer litter picking in Milton Keynes park

Community Litter Pick: Great Linford Manor Park

19/06/2025

Help take care of this amazing park at our Community Litter Pick.

Walton Lake

Workshop: Bug Hunting for Adults

21/06/2025

Do you know your lacewing form your ladybug and your beetles from your butterflies? Join us for this fun, interactive adults only bug hunting session.

Parks & Ride: Great Linford Manor Park

22/06/2025

Join us for a leisurely ride around the historic Great Linford, and the ancient woodland of Linford Wood.

Woof Walk: Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

28/06/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve.

Women walking next to Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes

Women's Walking Network: Campbell Park

03/07/2025

Explore Campbell Park at this monthly walking group for women.

Person wearing yellow T-shirt running through the park

Parks & Run: Broughton Brook

06/07/2025

Come along to July's Parks & Run event at Broughton's linear park.

Walk & Talk: Summer Tree ID at Campbell Park

15/07/2025

Join us for an evening stroll around Campbell Park to identify different trees in the parkland.

Person litter picking in a park wearing a high vis jacket

Canal Broadwalk

Community Litter Pick: Canal Broadwalk

18/07/2025

Help take care of your local parks at our Community Litter Pick.

Event tents and marquees set-up for International Festival in Milton Keynes

IF: Milton Keynes International Festival

18/07/2025

Produced by The Stables, 10-day arts festival. Campbell Park hosts Festival Centre with the famous speigiel tent.

Walk & Talk: Weed or Wildflower? An introduction to plant ID at Bancroft

22/07/2025

What makes a weed? Come along on this guided identification walk to find out! We will delve into the world of wildflowers.

Waterhall Park

Woof Walk: Waterhall Park

26/07/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise at Waterhall Park.

Group of cyclists on a bike round around Milton Keynes park

Parks & Ride: Floodplain Forest

27/07/2025

Join us for a leisurely beginner friendly ride around the Floodplain Forest and beyond.

Triceratops sculpture in blue, green and yellow in the park

Peartree Bridge

Peartree Bridge Event

30/07/2025

Join us for a fun afternoon at the Triceratops sculpture.

Family Bat Walk: Stony Stratford Nature Reserve

06/08/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them at this family friendly bat walk.

Children picking up litter from parkland

Oakgrove

Family Litter Pick: Oakgrove Park

06/08/2025

Help take care of your local parks at our Community Litter Pick.

Child playing in the sandpit with parent at event in the park

Oakgrove

Parkland Play: Oakgrove Playpark

06/08/2025

Join us for an accessible play session in our parks this summer holiday.

Women's walking event in Milton Keynes park

Women's Walking Network: Shenley Wood

07/08/2025

Explore Shenley Wood at this monthly walking group for women.

Family Bat Walk: Furzton Lake

11/08/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them.

Workshop: Freshwater Exploration

11/08/2025

What lies beneath Milton Keynes? Discover the wonderful world of freshwater creatures.

Parkland Play: Caldecotte Lake

13/08/2025

Join us for an accessible play session in our parks this summer holiday.

Roman Day

16/08/2025

Enter the world of the Romans and discover their way of life at Bancroft Roman Villa.

Elfield Nature Park

Walk & Talk: The Secret Life of Elfield Nature Park

18/08/2025

Elfield Nature Park is one of Milton Keynes' best kept secrets! Nestled into the industrial setting of the Milton Keynes Bowl, is a tiny slice of heaven for our local wildlife

Parent and child playing with outdoor toys and toy car

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve

Parkland Play: Stanton Low Park

20/08/2025

Join us for an accessible play session in our parks this summer holiday.

International Bat Night: Bat Walk

23/08/2025

Celebrate International Bat Night with our Biodiversity Team at Linford Lakes.

Parks Trust member of staff in purple speaking to family at stand

Fairfields

Parkland Play: Fairfields

27/08/2025

Join us for an accessible play session in our parks this summer holiday.

Woof Walk: Shenley Wood

30/08/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Shenley Wood.

Parks & Ride: Ouzel Valley Park

31/08/2025

Join us for a leisurely ride along the Ouzel Valley and the historic villages of Milton Keynes.

Women's Walking Network: Stony Stratford

04/09/2025

Explore Stony Stratford at this monthly walking group for women.

Parks & Run: Shenley Wood

07/09/2025

After a summer break, welcome back to our monthly fun run.

Bat Walk: Stony Stratford Nature Reserve

10/09/2025

Learn about native bats and how to hear and see them.

Heritage Open Days

12/09/2025

10 days of free, family events across MK and beyond with Heritage Open Days 2025.

Crowd enjoying performance on stage in festival tent

MK Pride Festival

13/09/2025

Annual Pride in Campbell Park, get ready to dance, sing & spread love as we celebrate diversity and equality!

Person smiling and holding litter picker and bin bag

Lodge Lake

Community Litter Pick: Lodge Lake

15/09/2025

Volunteer your time to help take care of your local parks.

Great Linford Heritage Celebration

20/09/2025

Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Great Linford Manor Park.

Woof Walk: Stanton Low Park

27/09/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Stanton Low Park.

Walk & Talk: Fruits, Roots and Seeds - An Introduction to Foraging

27/09/2025

Join us for an autumnal wander, hunting for foragable food in our parkland spaces.

Group of people on a bike ride in autumn

Parks & Ride: Shenley Wood

28/09/2025

Join us for a leisurely beginner friendly ride linking two of the ancient woodlands together.

Tattenhoe Valley

Women's Walking Network: Tattenhoe Valley

02/10/2025

Explore Tattenhoe Valley at this monthly walking group for women.

Tattenhoe Valley

Wheelchair Ramble: Tattenhoe Valley Park

04/10/2025

Free guided wheelchair ramble, designed to build confidence in visiting our parks.

Parks & Run: Furzton Lake

05/10/2025

Come along to October's free fun run at this popular park.

Inclusive Stroll Campbell Park (MK Gallery)

10/10/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Walk & Talk: Wellbeing Wander for Adults

17/10/2025

Escape the office for this calming lunchtime walk where you will use your senses to get in touch with nature.

Child picking apples from a tree in the park

Woughton Orchard

Apple Day

18/10/2025

Discover the delights of the season at Woughton on the Green Community Orchard.

Walk & Talk: Great Linford Manor Arboretum

21/10/2025

Travel the world through the exotic tree species that can be found in the arboretum at Great Linford Manor Park!

Woof Walk: Broughton Brook

25/10/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise along Broughton Brook.

Group of people cycling down pathway in the park

Lodge Lake

Parks & Ride: Loughton Valley

26/10/2025

Join us for our final leisurely ride of 2025 along Loughton Valley and Lodge Lake.

Family Litter Pick: Broughton Brook

28/10/2025

Help take care of your local parks at our fun Family Litter Pick.

Parks & Run: Willen Lake North 2025

02/11/2025

Come along to November's fun run event at Milton Keynes' most popular park.

Loughton Valley Park

Wheelchair Ramble: Loughton Valley Park

02/11/2025

Free guided wheelchair ramble, designed to build confidence in visiting our parks.

Walk & Talk: Willow, Wetlands and Waders

04/11/2025

Join us to celebrate wonderful wetland habitats and the birdlife that lives at the Floodplain Forest.

Inclusive Stroll Willen Lake South

05/11/2025

Join the Inclusive Strolls for a guided introductory walk through Milton Keynes’ green spaces.

Women's Walking Network: Caldecotte Lake 2025

06/11/2025

Explore Caldecotte Lake at this monthly walking group for women.

Community Litter Pick: Milton Keynes Rose

10/11/2025

Volunteer your time to help take care of your local parks at this Litter pick in Campbell Park.

Armistice Day

11/11/2025

Annual service and silence at 11am to commemorate the end of the First World War.

Talk: Floodplains, Lakes, Ponds & Rivers of MK

19/11/2025

Find out more about the fascinating flood defence systems that can be found in Milton Keynes at this insightful talk.

Woof Walk: Stony Stratford Nature Reserve

29/11/2025

Let your dog explore and socialise around Stony Stratford Nature Reserve.

Women in jackets and hats walking in the park

Women's Walking Network: Howe Park Wood 2025

04/12/2025

Explore Howe Park Wood at the final event for 2025 with the Women's Walking Network.

Group of runners going down a path in the park

Parks & Run: Ouzel Valley Park 2025

07/12/2025

Come along to the last Parks & Run of the year along the Ouzel Valley.

Audience at evening carols event in Milton Keynes

Tree Cathedral

Carols at the Cathedral

14/12/2025

Join us at the Tree Cathedral for our annual Christmas carolling event. Bring a lantern, wrap up warm and enjoy festive performances from local groups.

Volunteer ranger litter picking in Milton Keynes park