Take part in nature challenges to learn more about the wildlife that lives in Milton Keynes.
Visit Howe Park Wood during the summer holidays for our Open Mornings and gain access to the Education Centre. The centre is free to visit and is family-friendly. Drop-in anytime between 9:30am-12:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
- Week 1 - 29th-31st July
This week's theme is ‘Mammals’ so come along to take part in free activities to learn more about the range of incredible wildlife in our parks. Identify poo, explore owl pellets, and try to work out which animals left their footprints. We will also have some stuffed animals on display for you to see up close (these are old artifacts that have been donated/are on loan). - Week 2 5th-7th Aug
This week's theme is ‘Conservation and Biodiversity’ so come along to take part in free activities to learn more about why protecting our local parks is so important and what you can do to help. You can find out about recycling, how animals rely on each other, and what species are particularly at risk in the UK. We will also have a local beekeeper on at least one of the days who will be able to show you more about the life of honey bees. - Week 3 - 12th-14th Aug
This week's theme is ‘Wildlife with Wings’ so come along to take part in free activities to learn more about our airborne wildlife. Try to ID birds from their feathers, look at the intricate wings of dragonflies under a microscope, and take a closer look at some of our stuffed bird collection. We may also have a local moth expert with his nightly catch to show you the incredible variety of beautiful moths that live in Milton Keynes. - Week 4 - 19th-21st Aug
This week's theme is ‘Fabulous Freshwater’ so come along to take part in free activities to learn more about our ponds, lakes and rivers, and the wildlife that relies on them. Find out some of the superpowers that help pond creatures survive and learn about some of the animals, like otters, that live around the water. If the ponds have sufficient water, we may have some tiny creatures on display. - Week 5 - 26th-28th Aug
This week's theme is 'Minibeasts' so come along to take part in free activities to learn more about the tiny creatures that our planet relies on. Take part in activities to find out how they eat, what they eat and why they are so important. We may also have a local cricket and grasshopper expert to share more information about these noisy creatures!
Howe Park Wood is one of the city’s jewels, a tranquil oasis, humming with wildlife and colour. As well as being home to a wide variety of wildlife, Howe Park Wood boasts more than 200 plant species, some so rare that English Nature has designated it a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value.
There is free parking available on site, public toilets and Grounds Cafe for refreshments. Howe Park Wood Education Centre, opposite the Westcroft Centre, off of the H7 Chaffron Way. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ja9ftVKsG3Vqm7Bz6). What 3 Words: pound.trespass.munched