Local young people help bring hidden history to life
Published: 27/10/2026
Did you know about the hidden medieval village Woughton on the Green?Â
Although the village disappeared centuries ago, traces of its streets, houses and ploughed fields can still be seen today amongst the earthworks, humps and ditches that remain in the landscape. Without local knowledge, however, these archaeological features can be difficult to spot and interpret.
Watch the video to learn more about the history of the video. This video was created by Offset Projects who are a group of under 25's who have been helping The Parks Trust connect younger audiences with Milton Keynes' parks and heritage. 
Working alongside local young people from Offset Projects and local heritage groups, The Parks Trust has designed and installed three new information boards to help visualise how the village may have looked centuries ago. Informed by research and artefacts from Milton Keynes Museum and The City Discovery Centre, visitors can now learn about the fascinating history uncovered through archaeological investigations.
As part of the project, a new viewing panel has also been installed overlooking Meadow Lane, the medieval track that runs through the site in Ouzel Valley Park. The panel helps visitors imagine the wattle and daub houses that once lined the route.
The Parks Trust has delivered this work as part of Look Again, a city-wide heritage trail funded by Milton Keynes’ City Council. Look Again highlights the rich and often hidden heritage found across the city, encouraging residents and visitors alike to take a fresh look at the landscapes around them and uncover stories from Milton Keynes’ past.
We’re really pleased to have worked with Offset Projects and local young people to bring this piece of history to life. There’s so much heritage to discover in Milton Keynes’ parks, and we’re hoping that this project will encourage people to head outdoors and explore them.
Sarah Griffiths, Outdoor Learning and Interpretation Manager for The Parks Trust
Offset Projects
Offset Projects is a Milton Keynes based community interest company that focuses on the perspectives of under-25s. Their projects are youth-led, and they work in collaboration with educational, cultural and business partners to unlock potential and challenge adversity and inequality.
Their journey began with a walk from Campbell Park to Kents Hill, exploring the landscapes, stories and hidden history along the route. Inspired by what they discovered, the group shared ideas for a heritage trail that would encourage others to explore these remarkable places. To develop their ideas, they met with specialists in heritage, design and communications, gaining new skills and insights before creating their own interpretation content. Their work included videos, Spotify playlists, activity sheets and fresh ideas for more engaging storytelling across the parks.
The Parks Trust has already put some of these ideas into action, with new interpretation boards installed at Woughton on the Green and Poplar Plantation. The project also contributes to the wider Look Again Trail, led by Milton Keynes City Council, which links the city centre with Kents Hill. You can explore some of their work on the park webpages or see the new interpretation for yourself in the parks.
