Celebrating our volunteers at our annual awards evening
Published: 09/02/2026
On Friday 6th February, The Parks Trust hosted their Volunteer Celebration & Awards Evening. An annual opportunity to celebrate volunteers and everything they do to support Milton Keynes' parks and green spaces.
The event, held at the Chrysalis Theatre at Camphill Communities in Willen Park, showcased a review of the year and honoured award winners representing a wide range of volunteer roles—from supporting outdoor learning and recreation opportunities, to rangering in local parks, serving as wardens at nature reserves, and championing wildlife.
In 2025, our team of volunteers contributed an impressive 14,322 hours, demonstrating remarkable dedication to Milton Keynes’ parks and helping to ensure these spaces remain welcoming for both people and wildlife.
The Parks Trust Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire 2025-26, Pippa Kirkbride, who has championed volunteering and importance difference volunteers make in their local communities during her shrieval year.
All our volunteers' commitment, reliability, and willingness to support a wide range of activities have truly set them apart, making a tangible difference to The Trust and the city.
Thank you to all who joined us for the evening of celebrations and congratulations to our winners which you can read more about below.
Volunteer of the Year: Dawn Maynard
In 2025, Dawn completed a whole variety of volunteering sessions from regular ranger and warden patrols to completing grassland and butterfly surveys, joining conservation tasks, mentoring new volunteers, and being a brilliant advocate for volunteering. Dawn has been volunteering with The Trust since 2022 and was a previous recipient of Newcomer of the Year Award in 2022 having always going above and beyond in her volunteering and is a very worthy winner.
Outdoor Learning Volunteer of the Year: Gail Revill
Gail has been a passionate advocate for tree planting in Milton Keynes. Gail has supported with our outdoor learning sessions across the parks with students of all ages and supported with our youth groups on a regular basis throughout 2025.
Newcomer of the Year: Sue Muncaster
Sue joined The Trust as a volunteer in 2025 and quickly threw herself into supporting Open Mornings at Howe Park Wood and assisting with school sessions. She has also been a regular presence at Parks and Ride cycling events.
Make a Difference Award: Sam Ronnie & Roisin Callaghan
Sam and Roisin were jointly awarded for the meaningful impact they’ve made through their volunteering. Both work full time but find the time to volunteer in many ways from being wardens at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve to supporting conservation practical tasks and wildlife surveying.
Contribution to Wildlife: Andy Harding
Andy is a dedicated champion for wildlife, generously sharing his knowledge of moths and birds through events, talks, and guided walks.
Recreation Volunteer of the Year: Bob Evelyn
As a walk leader for a number of MK Health Walks and a regular volunteer ranger in his local park, Bob has shown real commitment to helping people enjoy Milton Keynes’ parks.
Inclusion Champion: Frank Wykes
Alongside his long-term commitment to Health Walks, Frank has been a regular supporter of The Parks Trust Inclusion Strolls throughout 2025, assisting anyone requiring support along the way.
Special Mentions
David, Steve & Helen had a shout out for collecting an impressive 600kg of litter from Campbell Park throughout 2025.
Julie Brady
Julie was thanked for being a dedicated support of our dog themed events and activities for many years.
Parks & Run Volunteer Team
The Parks & Run team were mentioned to thank them for hosting free runs of varying lengths for over 20 years.
