Our Blog

Filter by category

New café operator at Willen Lake

13 March 2023

We're excited to welcome 'Change Please' to Willen Lake Bar & Kitchen from Wednesday 29th March.

The Hine Spring's Inspirational Poem

11 March 2023

Mark Niels inspired poem, 'The People's Spring', has found its home at the Hine Spring in Great Linford Manor Park.

Wildlife blog: Breeding season begins

01 March 2023

Play your part in protecting Milton Keynes' wildlife by keeping dogs on leads whilst exploring the city's ancient woodlands.

The Parks Trust Volunteer Awards 2022

28 February 2023

We celebrated the fantastic contribution from our volunteers with our Annual Volunteer Awards event on Friday 24th February.

Ready for a work adventure?

20 February 2023

Join our team this season to help create memorable experiences for visitors to MK's most popular park.

Ice Cream Concession for Milton Keynes Parks: Request for Tender Applications

20 February 2023

Tender applications are now open for a new ice cream concession in Milton Keynes' parks. The trader will be required to enter into a 2 year agreement to operate April to September.

Drop Everything And Head To Willen Lake This Half Term!

03 February 2023

Take on the Treetop drop, have a go at achery or explore Milton Keynes' largest play area.

Now's the perfect time to get outdoors with your pet pooch!

23 January 2023

Now’s the perfect time to get outdoors with your pet pooch. The health benefits of regular dog walking are huge for owners and their pets - improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones and decreased stress to name a few...

Milton Keynes Natural History Society Blog: Winter 2022

15 December 2022

So far, the winter this year has been relatively mild, and as a result, many of the trees have remained green for longer, the grass has been continuing to grow and some plants are prematurely springing into action with new shoots.

Learn How to Identify Tree Species this National Tree Week

25 November 2022

To celebrate National Tree Week (26 November - 4 December 2022), we are happy to launch our helpful brand-new guide that helps identify the local tree species we have in Milton Keynes, and it’s completely free!

Meet the team: Our Board of Trustees

07 November 2022

To celebrate Trustee Week we've interviewed some members of our current board to share insight into what it's like to be a Trustee at The Parks Trust.

Outdoor Classroom Day

03 November 2022

Today celebrates Outdoor Classroom Day, which is a global movement that helps create opportunities and encourages children to take their learning outside.

October Half Term at Willen Lake

21 October 2022

If you’re looking for some free fun this half-term, get down to Willen Lake and enjoy a spooky trail that could earn you and the kids a treat!

Explore the newly restored Great Linford Manor Park

10 October 2022

The restoration scheme to restore, reveal and revive one of the most historic parks in Milton Keynes has been successfully completed.

The Parks Trust Shortlisted for Landscape Institute Award

30 September 2022

We're delighted that our Linear Park Management has been shortlisted for the Landscape Institute Award.

Milton Keynes Natural History Society Blog: Summer Wildlife

02 September 2022

Read what this local wildlife group have been up to this summer in Milton Keynes' parks.

Junior Park Rangers recognised for their outstanding contribution to local nature

31 August 2022

Calling all Primary schools! Get involved in our Junior Park Rangers programme this academic year.

A day in the life of a Park Enforcement Officer

24 August 2022

It’s been almost a year since we recruited our new team of Park Enforcement Officers that help keep Milton Keynes' parks safe for all to enjoy. One of our officers, Gareth Sullivan, has shared his experience with us so far...

MK’s Green City Celebrated At Gardeners' Question Time!

10 August 2022

We had the pleasure of hosting Gardeners' Question Time at The Chrysalis Theatre on Tuesday 9th August. Check out the highlights in this blog.

Have you seen Dragons and Damsels in your garden?

09 August 2022

Dragonflies are colonising the UK at a greater rate than ever before, with 6 new species arriving since the late 1990’s...

Discover more at Milton Keynes' most popular park

05 August 2022

Visit Willen Lake this summer to enjoy an epic family day out. Whether it's an adventure on the lake or exploring on dry ground...

It’s A Green Flag Double For The Parks Trust!

26 July 2022

We have been awarded a sixth consecutive Green Flag Award for our entire network of parks and Great Linford Manor Park has been given Green Heritage Site Accreditation award in recognition of its local and national significance.

Celebrating 30 years of The Parks Trust

08 July 2022

This Sunday, we celebrate 30 years of caring for Milton Keynes' parks. We look back at some of our most memorable moments and congratulate members of staff who have been with us since the beginning!

Wildlife Blog: What is Bird Ringing?

05 July 2022

Bird ringing as we know it today started in 1899 by a Danish schoolteacher, but other attempts at individually marking birds to understand their movements have been recorded since Roman times.

The Parks Trust Annual Public Meeting 2022

27 June 2022

We saw a record amount of over 230 guests attending the Annual Public Meeting last Thursday evening (23rd June). Over the meeting, we discussed the latest reports of the financial year 2021-2022.

Drowning Prevention Week

17 June 2022

The 18th- 25th June 2022 marks Drowning Prevention Week so we have put together some top tips to help you stay safe around our waterbodies this summer!

Celebrating Volunteers' Week 2022

07 June 2022

This week we're celebrating our team of volunteers who help make our parks beautiful places for everyone to enjoy.

Wildlife Blog: Butterflies

02 June 2022

Butterfly Conservation's latest findings do not make happy reading. Find out about the threatened species and what we're doing to help in Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes Natural History Society Blog: Local Wildlife in Late Spring

13 May 2022

Hear about the latest sightings of wildlife in this guest blog from the Milton Keynes Natural History Society.

Wildlife Blog: The Warblers' Return

06 May 2022

The return of our warblers in the spring is well underway! Warblers can be secretive birds, singing from deep within scrub or reed beds and they are often tricky to identify compared with more familiar songbirds in Milton Keynes.

Celebrating conservationist John Muir at Great Linford Manor Park

25 April 2022

Our young rangers united at Great Linford Manor Park to complete conservation missions.

Replenishing Milton Keynes waters with native fish

13 April 2022

We're stocking Milton Keynes lakes with Tench. Healthy fish stocks are not just important to those who fish for them, but also as part of the underwater food chain.

Remembering Gordon Redford

11 April 2022

Gordon joined The Parks Trust as Head Ranger in 1995 from Northumberland. He soon became a popular and core member of the newly formed team and never missed the opportunity to introduce his team mates into the joys of mothing.

We are partnering up with Electra to offer new cruising opportunities

07 April 2022

With all the major works that have been going on to restore and interpret the history of Great Linford Manor Park, we are now providing a mooring point for Electra!

Egg-citing Easter activities for all the family

05 April 2022

If you’re looking for a fun-family day out, check out the outdoor entertainment on offer at Willen Lake this Easter Holiday. With a variety of activities based both on and off the water there’s certainly something to please everyone.

The flower that unlocks the treasures of spring

18 March 2022

One of the most popular spring flowers - Cowslips, often associated with Easter, is the cousin of the Primrose (primula) which translates from Latin as Spring Rose or first flower.

Get back onto the water with Watersports at Willen Lake

17 March 2022

Our new watersports season is here! Check out to see what we've been up too in the winter months to make the new season an action packed one.

Celebrating Great Linford's Historic Women

07 March 2022

This International Women's Day (Tuesday 8th March) we are celebrating the stories of the women who made Great Linford their home over the centuries.

We need your help to protect one of Milton Keynes' ancient woodlands!

28 February 2022

Help protect the wildlife in Howe Park Wood by keeping dogs on leads and keeping to the designated pathways.

Spring comes early for Frogs and Toads

21 February 2022

As temperatures steadily rise, our native amphibian species begin to stir and awaken from their winter torpor.

Register now to receive a copy of our 2022 What's On Guide

17 February 2022

Featuring hundreds of exciting events, workshops and festivals across Milton Keynes' green spaces.

A deeper dive into the Milton Keynes Natural History Society

15 February 2022

Learn more about the MKNHS, an organisation that hosts weekly talks which cover a variety of nature related topics and provide members with a chance to discuss the latest sightings and wildlife news.

Returning the Great Linford Almshouses to their former glory

01 February 2022

The Parks Trust has entered an agreement with Milton Keynes Council to take on a 999-year lease of the almshouses in Great Linford Manor Park.

The Parks Trust appoints new Chief Executive in its 30th year

19 January 2022

After nineteen successful years leading The Parks Trust, Chief Executive, David Foster will be retiring in June of this year, which also coincides with the charity turning 30 years old.

The Parks Trust's highlights from 2021

05 January 2022

During what has been another unusual year for us all, we have been working hard to maintain our high standards of care for the parks, lakes and woodlands in Milton Keynes. Take a look back at what we achieved in 2021.

Volunteers learn the skill of hedge-laying at Great Linford Manor Park

24 December 2021

Our volunteers have been busy at Great Linford Manor Park.

Mixed fortunes for protected birds in Milton Keynes parks

09 December 2021

Learn about the current status of protected bird species and they're breeding that's found in Milton Keynes parks this year, with a detailed insight by one of our Biodiversity Officers, Martin Kincaid.

Celebrating National Tree Week 2021

27 November 2021

Find out more about the trees in Milton Keynes and join us in celebrating this year's National Tree Week.

Local group helps plant trees across Milton Keynes

23 November 2021

We have been working in partnership with Community Trees: MK on various tree planting projects across the city.

Plant a tree for the Jubilee

19 November 2021

This week we have undertaken further tree planting at Middleton Park in celebrating of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

10 Things to do this Autumn

18 November 2021

Things to do with the family in Milton Keynes' parks this autumn!

Are you looking for the opportunity to make a difference?

12 November 2021

Discover what it's like to be a trustee and how you can apply for this volunteer role at The Parks Trust.

A new play trail is arriving at Great Linford Manor Park!

10 November 2021

Exciting new play sculptures have been installed at Great Linford Manor Park in Milton Keynes.

New Interpretation in the Parks

08 November 2021

Have you spotted our new heritage signage across Milton Keynes' parks? We hope that they will help visitors and locals understand and visualise the history of the parks.

Pond Works at Great Linford Manor Park

02 November 2021

Find out what's been happening to the ponds at Great Linford Manor Park as part of our National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

Meet our Park Enforcement Officers who help to keep Milton Keynes’ parks safe and enjoyable for all

01 November 2021

In response to rising levels of anti-social behaviour including littering, dog fouling, and graffiti we have just recruited three Park Enforcement Officers to help our current Ranger team keep the parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Willen Lake, Milton Keynes’ most popular park, is looking for two new voluntary, non-executive directors.

18 October 2021

Applications are now closed for these positions. Willen Lake is Milton Keynes’ most popular park and is home to a whole host of watersports and activities for the whole family. It has around 1,000,000 visitors a year, drawing people from all over the UK.

River Bank Work at Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve

15 October 2021

Have you spotted our team carrying out some important work on the river bank near the Iron Trunk Aqueduct?

The Parks Trust win Green Flag Award for fifth year in a row

14 October 2021

For the fifth year in a row, we have again been awarded a Green Flag Award for our entire network of parks in Milton Keynes.

Wildlife Blog: Celebrate World Animal Day 2021

04 October 2021

Celebrate and appreciate the animals in your local parks this World Animal Day! Find out ways you can help animals and what we are doing in Milton Keynes to improve habitats for wildlife.

Discover our vision for the future of Milton Keynes' green spaces

27 September 2021

As Milton Keynes expands, The Parks Trust wants to ensure all new areas of the city benefit from the same extent and quality of green space as is found in the established areas. Find out more about our aims for the future of MK's green space in our new 'Milton Keynes' Inspirational Landscapes' document.

Foraging in the parks: Free food all around

24 September 2021

Autumn is one of the best times of year foraging in Milton Keynes. Foraging, or searching for and harvesting wild food and resources, can be a rewarding and fun way to explore your local green space. Find out how in this blog.

Milton Keynes’ biggest free play area opens at Willen Lake

22 September 2021

We are excited to announce that at midday on Friday 24th September 2021, Willen Lake will open its brand new play area. This new extended play area is over an acre in size and will be Milton Keynes’ biggest free to use play area.

The Colours of Autumn

21 September 2021

Autumn is a great time for exploring the parks as you enjoy the scenery transforming as the trees leaves change colour. Discover why the leaves change colour in this blog.

John Lewis Support Free Sessions and Planting Opportunities for MK Schools

08 September 2021

John Lewis Partnership and The Parks Trust are teaming up to support opportunities for schools and community groups to get involved in free local environmental initiatives.

Discover Milton Keynes’ hidden history as part of Heritage Open Days

31 August 2021

We are excited to be again taking part in Heritage Open Days, which are running between 10-19 September 2021. We have arranged a variety of events to help you explore Milton Keynes’ hidden history.

Festival of Archaeology Celebrations 2021

30 July 2021

Read about our recent celebrations from the 2021 Festival of Archaeology at Great Linford Manor Park.

The release of The Parks Trust Annual Report 2020/21

16 July 2021

Check out the highlights of our 2021 Annual Public Meeting and read our latest Annual Report.

Wildlife Blog: Moths – What are they good for?

09 July 2021

To celebrate Moth Night which is taking place from 8th to 11th July, we welcome moth enthusiast and a previous Parks Trust Youth Ranger, Ayla Webb, to tell uncover some fascinating facts about moths!

New tree labels have landed at Great Linford Manor Park

28 June 2021

Discover the new tree ID labels at Great Linford Manor Park.

Take a sneak peek at Willen Lake’s brand-new Watersports Centre

23 June 2021

We are pleased to announce the opening of our brand-new Watersports Centre! From Saturday 26 June 2021, you’ll be able to visit our purpose-built home for all our exciting watersport activities.

Dinosaur Valley Update: The adventure golf course coming to Furzton Lake!

18 June 2021

Work is starting to take shape at Dinosaur Valley, the new adventure golf course which is due to open at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes in 2022.

Wildlife Blog: Dragons and Damsels of MK

16 June 2021

You may have noticed a sudden abundance of our brightly coloured friends, the dragon- and damselflies, around MK and particularly around bodies of water in the past month.

Wildlife Blog: The Oak Tree

05 June 2021

To celebrate World Environment Day 2021, we’re discussing our acorn collection scheme and the positive impact oak trees have on biodiversity in Milton Keynes.

Volunteers Week 2021

03 June 2021

The Parks Trust is proud to have to the support of 203 volunteers and this Volunteers Week we’d like to say thank you to every single volunteer for all their hard work, helping to keep our parks great places for people and wildlife.

Wildlife Blog: Migratory Birds

25 May 2021

At this time of year, seasonal bird migration is well underway. Discover more about your local migratory birds in this wildlife blog from out Outdoor Learning team.

MK Community Boat ‘Electra’ is coming to the Grand Union Canal in MK this summer

17 May 2021

A new way to see the parks along the canal is coming this summer. Take a trip along the Grand Union Canal on the new MK community trip boat Electra. Brought to Milton Keynes by BMK Waterway Trust the new boat will be housed at The Parks Trust owned Campbell Wharf Marina.

Wildlife Blog: Bluebells in our Parks

03 May 2021

Spring is in fully swing and beautiful English bluebells have begun to carpet our forest floors. You will now be able to spot the bluebells in any of our 3 ancient woodlands: Shenley Wood, Howe Park Wood or Linford Wood.

Celebrate National Walking Month

27 April 2021

This May is National Walking month and to celebrate, we are encouraging you, to get out into the great outdoors. Throughout the month you’ll be able to attend a variety of walking events, take part in our Walking Festival and follow new self-led routes.

Celebrate 2021's Earth Day!

20 April 2021

Get involved with Earth Day on 22nd April with these fun activities.

Wildlife Blog: Hedgerows

13 April 2021

Hedge laying is a traditional countryside management technique used to maintain a hedgerow. This process keeps it in good health, maintaining best habitat practise and promoting traditional rural skills.

The Parks Trust opens three new play areas in Milton Keynes!

08 April 2021

Did you know we look after over 25 free to use play areas and 4 trim trails across the city?

Blossom Watch!

12 March 2021

Explore the arboretum this spring at Great Linford Manor park to admire the trees in blossom. Check out our new arboretum map to help you identify the trees.

Planting at Middleton Wood Meadow

09 March 2021

We are about to begin a joint project with Community Trees: MK, and Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council to enhance an area of Middleton Park, improving the habitat for wildlife by creating a woodland meadow.

Play Area and Outdoor Gym Equipment Guidance

05 March 2021

In line with government guidance, from Thursday 5th November, outdoor gym equipment will be closed. Play areas will be able to remain open with restrictions in place.

Nineteenth Century Brick Kilns to be restored at Great Linford

04 March 2021

We are about to begin a restoration project on two Brick Kilns located at Great Linford, by the Grand Union Canal.

National Nest Box Week

14 February 2021

Coinciding with St Valentine’s Day, when birds are also starting to ‘couple up’, birding charities around the UK ask people to put up a nest box for our newly matched birds and give their family a head start in life.

Complete our February Half-Term Nature Challenge!

12 February 2021

Our Outdoor Learning team has created a 5-day activity challenge to encourage you and your family to get outdoors and appreciate all that nature has to offer this February half-term.

Children’s Mental Health Week 2021

31 January 2021

One way in which we can support young people is by spending time outdoors. We have lots of resources on our website for activities to do in the parks if you are a little stuck for ideas.

Get involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

25 January 2021

Did you know, the largest UK volunteer citizen science project is taking place at the end of January and you can be part of it?

Enjoy a stroll down memory lane at ‘Newlands Remembrance Walk’

21 January 2021

We are dedicating the area of Newlands that links Campbell Park to Willen Lake as a special place of remembrance and will initially be planting an avenue of Lime trees that will line either side of the walk, with further tree planting to follow and the creation of a wildflower meadow.

A look back on 2020

18 January 2021

As we enter into a new year, we decided to take a look back at 2020. Despite all the challenges we also want to acknowledge some of the positives to come out of the last 12 months.

Andrew White: Green Flag Volunteer of the Year 2020

18 December 2020

Congratulations to one of our long-standing volunteers on winning the Green Flag Volunteer of the Year.

Wildlife Blog: From Puddles to Pools

17 December 2020

Our dedicated team of volunteers have worked hard to restore the ponds in Campbell Park. Find out about the work they did and why ponds are so important to wildlife in our latest blog.

Outdoor Learning: Review of the year

16 December 2020

This year has been a year like no other in so many ways and for The Parks Trust Outdoor Learning Team this has been no exception. Find out what the team have been up to in this blog!

Acorn Planting at Milton Keynes Schools

24 November 2020

Watling Academy, a brand new Secondary in Milton Keynes, was one of the schools which jumped on board with our acorn growing project.

Junior Park Ranger Workshop Highlights

17 November 2020

Our popular school based Junior Park Ranger Programme started again in September for Primary Schools in Milton Keynes. Check out the highlights from some of our previous sessions!

Make a Difference Day 2020

05 November 2020

Volunteers came together on Saturday 24th October for the annual 'Make a Difference Day', an event that gives local people a chance to give something back to their community.

Wildlife Blog: Fungi

22 October 2020

Woodlands become magical in October! As the daylight hours are drawing in and the days are getting shorter into winter, this is the time when fungi come to life.

Work begins on New Adventure Golf Course at Furzton Lake

15 October 2020

Work will begin on the 21st of October 2020 to build a new, Jurassic themed adventure golf course with café and public toilets at Furzton Lake in Milton Keynes.

The Parks Trust granted a Green Flag Award for the fourth year in a row!

14 October 2020

For the fourth year in a row, The Parks Trust have again been granted a Green Flag Award for their entire network of parks in Milton Keynes.

Join in with family friendly activities this October Half Term!

13 October 2020

Throughout this October Half Term (Monday 26 – Friday 30 October) we are hosting a variety of nature inspired events across our parks.

Enjoy a journey along The Grand Union Canal

05 October 2020

We are pleased to launch a new, illustrated map of The Grand Union Canal which runs through Milton Keynes.

The Parks Trust begin to revive Great Linford Manor Park

30 September 2020

National Lottery Heritage Fund works are commencing at Great Linford Manor Park.

Willen Lake creates over an acre of free play!

28 September 2020

Willen Lake is currently undergoing large scale improvement works to enhance the visitor experience which include creating the largest free play area in Milton Keynes.

Wildlife blog: Autumn Moths

18 September 2020

As we enter autumn, the variety of moths (and other insects) on the wing tails off with the majority of species having completed their life cycle for this year. However, there are still a number species flying in September and October and these include some of the UK’s most attractive and exciting moth species.

Willen Lake welcomes new visitor attraction, the Willen Observation Wheel!

15 September 2020

This Autumn, Willen Lake is welcoming a 36-metre tall observation wheel to the lake. This new visitor attraction the Willen Observation Wheel (WOW MK) will give beautiful views across the lake and onto the city beyond.

Wildlife Blog: Have you seen your local bats?

25 August 2020

Here in the UK, we have 17 breeding species of bat out of a total 18 (up to 10 have been identified in Milton Keynes), who are the best pest controllers we can ever have. Find out how you can help our local bats and where you can spot these fascinating mammals in Milton Keynes.

Campbell Park recognised as one of the finest post-war parks!

21 August 2020

The Parks Trust is celebrating that Campbell Park has today been recognised as one of the finest 20th century parks in the country!

Join us for our Parkland Play events this August!

20 August 2020

Parkland Play is an afternoon of free fun with lots of games and activities that the whole family can enjoy. Challenge yourself with our Ranger’s litter game, play with our giant garden games or have a go at one of our sporting activities such as cricket, football or tennis.

The 18th Century Landscape at Great Linford Manor Park

11 August 2020

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we have discovered that Great Linford Manor Park was once home to an 18th century English Pleasure Garden. Although we don’t know exactly what this garden would have looked like, some clues have been left behind which give us an idea of how different features were laid out.

The Parks Trust Digital Annual Public Meeting 2020

16 July 2020

We usually present our Annual Report at a public meeting in July at which anyone can attend. So that we can still share this with you, this year, in place of our usual event we've produced this video of our Chairman and Chief Executive providing an overview of 2019/20.

Lacemaking at Great Linford

03 July 2020

Did you know that people used to live in the almshouses at Great Linford Manor Park? Discover the story of one woman who lived there in the 1930s and her work as a Buckinghamshire lacemaker.

Bringing Great Coffee to the Great Outdoors

18 June 2020

We’re pleased to announce that Grounds Cafés will be taking on the management of our café at Howe Park Wood. The café, which has been fully refurbished, will be reopening for takeaways from Friday 19 June.

It’s time to stop rubbishing the parks!

04 June 2020

Sadly we are seeing a huge increase in those dropping and leaving their litter in the parks, this week alone, our rangers and contractors have collected over 800 bags of litter from across our parks.

Celebrating National Volunteers’ Week 2020

02 June 2020

On Monday 1st June, a new pillar was unveiled at the Milton Keynes Rose by the Mayor of MK to honour and recognise the invaluable work and dedication of volunteers across the city.

Fossils and Ancient Seas at Great Linford

29 May 2020

Did you know that the stone circle at Great Linford Manor Park is actually part of a Local Geological Site? Behind the stones you’ll find a disused quarry which contains many micro-fossils and visible layers of rock which were laid down over millennia.

Wildlife Blog: Dragonflies

20 May 2020

Sometimes known as jewels of the air, dragonflies and damselflies are a familiar site around the lakes, ponds and rivers of Milton Keynes. Late May sees the emergence of the majority of our native species and now is a great time to go and look for these stunning insects.

Ash Trees in Milton Keynes are at risk from devastating Ash Die Back disease

19 May 2020

We are currently facing some serious challenges from Ash Die Back, the fungal disease killing Ash trees. The disease which has now taken hold in Milton Keynes has no cure or viable treatment. As the disease starts to kill the ash trees they quickly become unstable, are prone to collapse and can shatter in their brittle state.

Wildlife Blog: Snakes in MK Parks

13 May 2020

Grass snakes and slow-worms are often mistaken for adders (the UK's only venomous snake). Find out about more about these two reptile species you might spot in Milton Keynes' parks.

Heritage Blog: Scheduled Ancient Monuments

11 May 2020

Did you know that hidden in our parks are many historical treasures with evidence of Milton Keynes’ life before the new city was designated in 1967? Read our blog to step back in time.

History of the Grand Union Canal at Great Linford

06 May 2020

Discover the history of the Grand Union Canal at Great Linford.

Improvement works at Willen Lake are back underway

05 May 2020

The improvement works at Willen Lake are due to resume this week (Monday 4th May 2020).

Wildlife blog: A guide to Hedgehogs

05 May 2020

In support of this year’s Hedgehog Awareness Week, we are sharing our guide to hedgehogs which is packed with facts about ways you can help protect our local population.

The challenges of securing the sustainable stewardship of public green space

24 April 2020

We are pleased that Milton Keynes Council recently took the decision to seek to have public green spaces in new development areas in Milton Keynes transferred into the care of either The Parks Trust or town/parish councils, together with an endowment from the developer to cover the cost of future maintenance.

Wildlife blog: Woodlands in Spring

23 April 2020

We know that many of you are not able to get out into the parks at the moment, so we wanted to bring the wonders of our woodlands to you!

Historic Medicine in Great Linford

09 April 2020

Discover the bizarre and fascinating history of medicine at Great Linford Manor Park.

Our Farming Work

07 April 2020

We have seen an increasing number of visitors using our grazing areas to walk their dogs. So, we thought we should remind the public of our farming practices and the importance of keeping your dogs on leads around livestock.

Archaeology at Great Linford Manor Park

29 March 2020

Archaeology is the study of what people leave behind, essentially, the study of rubbish! In 2017 and 2019 Cotswold Archaeology carried out excavations at Great Linford Manor Park as part of the ‘Reveal, Revive and Restore’ National Lottery Heritage Fund project.

Wildlife Blog: Spring is coming

18 March 2020

With warming temperatures over the last few days, nature is waking up from its winter slumber!

Wildlife Blog: The Bumblebee

04 March 2020

Spring is almost here! The warmer temperatures and the first burst of flowers has awoken the queen bumblebees.

Wildlife Blog: Farmland Birds

20 February 2020

Skylarks, one of the nation’s favourite songbirds, have undergone one of the most severe declines of all farmland birds, with a 75% decline between 1972 and 1996.

Snowdrops at Great Linford Manor Park

05 February 2020

Eagle-eyed visitors to Great Linford Manor Park will have spotted snowdrops growing in the Wilderness area.

Improvements at Willen Lake

23 January 2020

We’re pleased to announce that work on the second phase of major improvements at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes’ most popular park, will be starting this month.

Wildlife blog: Herons & Egrets

21 January 2020

The days are gradually getting longer and whilst it might still feel quite wintry to us, some of our resident birds are already thinking about nesting.

What's happening at Great Linford Manor Park?

20 January 2020

Find out what's happening at Great Linford Manor Park as we begin work on our 'Reveal, Restore & Revive' National Lottery Heritage Funded project.

20 things to do in 2020!

07 January 2020

Take a look through our ideas for things to do, events not to miss, activities to take part in and new places to discover below…

Whitbread submits plans for new hotel and investment at Willen Lake

06 December 2019

New Premier Inn and restaurant would boost wider development and expansion at Willen Lake Whitbread – owner of Premier Inn – has submitted plans to bring a new Premier Inn hotel and family restaurant to Willen Lake in a scheme which will further reinforce this as one of the key leisure attractions for Milton Keynes.

Some wildlife highlights to look out for this November

05 November 2019

But perhaps the wildlife highlight at Willen Lake this time of year is the starling roost. Numbers vary drastically from year to year but on cold, sunny evenings hundreds – or hopefully many thousands – of starlings will swarm over the lake and island before coming down to roost in the reed beds.

‘Intro To Cold Water’ Swim Sessions by Milton Keynes Open Water Swimming

21 October 2019

Milton Keynes Open Water Swimming (run by Love Open Water) will be running once-a-month sessions during the winter months to introduce open water swimmers to colder water temperatures.

Spooky swimming at Milton Keynes Open Water Swimming

16 October 2019

Milton Keynes Open Water Swimming (run by Love Open Water) based at Willen Lake, are running a spooktacular night swim for open water swimmers to really get their fangs in to!

Calling all avid adventurers! Can you face your fears and tackle Willen Lake’s terrific Treetop Extreme?

01 October 2019

Treetop Extreme, Willen Lake’s high ropes course, is the perfect adrenaline activity for avid adventurers. Zoom down four zip wires and overcome over 50 obstacles as you make your way around our courses.

Thousands help to beat cancer at Pretty Muddy at Willen Lake

16 September 2019

Thousands of people united against cancer on Saturday 7th September by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy at Milton Keynes' Willen Lake.

Swimming at Willen Lake is not just for ducks!

06 August 2019

You can now go open water swimming in Willen Lake during safe, fun and responsible sessions run by Milton Keynes Open Water Swimming. The team started open water swimming at the lake in July 2019 and will be running sessions throughout the summer and hope to continue to offer some ‘cold water swimming’ sessions through the winter months too.

It’s feeling hot hot hot…

22 July 2019

With Milton Keynes being over 80 miles from the nearest beach and when the weather is hot, hot, hot who wants to travel all that way in a boiling car, getting stuck in traffic jams? Why not visit Willen Lake instead?

Banish the boredom these six weeks of summer at Willen Lake

17 July 2019

Schools out for summer and there are six whole weeks to fill with activities for the kids! Are you wondering how you’re going to entertain the family across the school holidays?

New watersports centre and café to open at Willen Lake

06 June 2019

Willen Lake, Milton Keynes’ most popular park has successfully secured planning permission for its next phase of improvements.

Treetop Extreme highly commended by The Adventure Awards

05 April 2019

This year our Treetop Extreme High Ropes course at Willen Lake was shortlisted in The Adventure Awards ‘Best Team Building Activity’ category.

Show Less

The Parks Trust hosts around 500 events in Milton Keynes' parks every year

View upcoming events...