What's On in Your Parks
Organised by the Parks Trust
- 12 Days of Christmas Family Trail13/12/2021 - 09/01/2022Free family festive trail around Great Linford Manor Park.
- Activity WeekVarious DatesNot sure what activity's for you? Our activity Week is a fun-filled five day course, including many of the activities we have on offer
- Adult Kayaking ClubVarious DatesOur Adult Kayaking Club is a great evening adventure, learning new skills under the watchful eyes of our qualified instructors
- Adult Paddleboarding ClubVarious DatesOur Adult Paddleboarding Club is a great evening adventure, learning new skills and developing your knowledge of Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Stories in the Park25/10/2021Open-air, immersive stories told for all the family.
- CANCELLED: Community Litter Pick: Ashland Lakes29/03/2021Take pride in your parks and help your community by joining us on a litter pick at Ashland Lakes this month
- Community Litter Pick: Furzton Lake26/04/2021Come and enjoy a stroll around Furzton Lake while helping us keep it safe and clean for all to enjoy on this community litter pick
- Community Litter Pick: Caldecotte Lake24/05/2021Help keep this popular park beautiful and join us for a community litter pick around Caldecotte Lake
- Community Litter Pick: Hazeley Wood23/08/2021Help us protect the wonderful wildlife in the woodland on our community litter pick
- Community Litter Pick: Oxley Park27/09/2021Love your local parks? Why not join us on a littler pick to help keep it clean and safe for your whole community
- Community Litter Pick: Shenley Wood26/07/2021Shenley Wood is one of our ancient woodlands that boasts lots of fantastic wildlife
- Community Litter Pick: Stanton Low14/06/2021Come and explore Stanton Low Park with us while doing your bit to help keep it safe and clean for everyone to enjoy
- Discover ArcheryVarious DatesPerfect for the complete beginner, our Discover Archery sessions are a fantastic introduction to this rewarding sport
- Discover CanoeingVarious DatesJoin us on our 90 minute Discover Canoeing session and learn the basics for an enjoyable experience in the world of canoeing with one of our coaches
- Discover KayakingVarious DatesTry your hand at kayaking with tuition from one of our qualified coaches in this 90-minute session
- Discover Nature Day (12-15 years)18/08/2021Do you know a 12-15 year-old who is interested in the natural world and would like to get hands-on experience in conservation projects and wildlife surveys? Secure them a place on our upcoming Nature Day session
- Discover Nature Day (8-11 years)Various DatesDo you know an 8 to 11-year-old who is interested in the natural world and would like to get hands-on experience in conservation projects and wildlife surveys? Secure them a place on our upcoming Nature Day session at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve
- Discover Nature Day (9-12 years)27/10/2021Do you know a 9 to 12-year-old who is interested in the natural world and would like to get hands-on experience in conservation projects and wildlife surveys? Secure them a place on our upcoming Nature Day session at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve
- Discover PaddleboardingVarious DatesDiscover one of the fastest growing watersports - Stand Up Paddleboarding - with tuition from one of our qualified British Canoeing Paddleboarding coaches
- Discover SailingVarious DatesDiscover Sailing is a 90-minute dinghy sailing session for beginners, suitable for adults and children aged over 8 years old
- Discover WakeboardingVarious DatesDiscover Wakeboarding is an ideal introductory session for those new to wakeboarding
- Discover WindsurfingVarious DatesDiscover the thrill of windsurfing with our introductory session led by one of our enthusiastic and qualified instructors
- Discovery Stroll: Floodplain Forest17/08/2021Explore one of our newest and more unique parks with a gentle guided walk from one of our rangers
- CANCELLED: Discovery Stroll: Campbell Park30/03/2021Join us for a stroll around Campbell Park
- Discovery Stroll: Furzton Lake14/09/2021Enjoy a quiet walk around the lake with us and get the chance to meet our ranger
- Discovery Stroll: Great Linford Manor Park20/04/2021Discover the historic Great Linford Manor Park, learn about its history and our plans to restore and revive the space as we take a gentle stroll through the park
- Discovery Stroll: Lodge Lake18/05/2021Come along for a gentle stroll with us, enjoying the lake's views and wildlife
- Discovery Stroll: Teardrop Lakes20/07/2021Take a stroll with us around these picturesque balancing lakes and find out why these are important infrastructure for our city
- Discovery Stroll: Willen Lake North15/06/2021Discover North Willen Lake and Newlands with a guided tour from one of our rangers
- Easter Egg Hunt27/03/2021 - 11/04/2021Follow the trail to discover Easter Eggs hidden across the Manor Park!
- CANCELLED: Fossil HuntingVarious DatesAll-ages session to learn how to spot and identify fossils at the historic Great Linford Manor Park.
- Horrible Heritage Family WalksVarious DatesStep back in time and explore our historic park as we bring to life the characters who've made the park their home over the centuries! Part of the national celebration for Heritage Open Days
- Junior Sailing ClubVarious DatesOur Junior Sailing Club is for children aged 8-15 years who want to get involved in sailing regularly
- Junior Windsurfing ClubVarious DatesOur Junior Windsurfing Club is for children aged 8-15 years who want to get involved in windsurfing regularly
- Paddle Start Award (Kayaking)Various DatesOur Paddle Start Award (Paddleboarding) is a one day course where you will learn how to safely launch, paddle, control and balance your stand up paddleboard in different conditions
- Paddle Start Award (Paddleboarding)Various DatesOur Paddle Start Award (Paddleboarding) is a one day course where you will learn how to safely launch, paddle, control and balance your stand up paddleboard in different conditions
- Parks and Run: Broughton Brook04/07/2021Discover the beautiful Broughton Brook park on a choice of 2, 5 & 10km runs this month
- Parks and Run: Caldecotte Lake06/06/2021Explore Caldcotte Lake through a choice of 3, 6 & 11 km runs
- Parks and Run: Campbell Park04/04/2021Enjoy a choice of 3, 5 & 10 km runs around Campbell Park this month
- Parks and Run: Furzton Lake03/10/2021Take in the views of the popular Furzton Lake while on a choice of a 2, 4 & 10 km run this month
- CANCELLED: Parks and Run: Ouse Valley Park07/03/2021Explore part of the beautiful Ouse Valley Park on a choice of 3, 6 &10 km runs
- Parks and Run: Ouzel Valley Park05/12/2021Take in the views of the Ouzel Valley Park whilst enjoying a choice of a 3, 6 or 10 km run for our last Parks and Run of the year
- Parks and Run: Shenley Wood05/09/2021Enjoy a choice of 2, 5 & 10 km runs exploring one of our ancient woodlands
- Parks and Run: Willen Lake07/11/2021Enjoy a choice of a 3, 5 & 10km run around Willen Lake
- Parks and Run: Willen Lake North09/05/2021Take in the fantastic views around Willen Lake North on a choice of 3, 6, and 10 km runs this month
- RYA Start Sailing (Level 1)Various DatesThe RYA Start Sailing course is for participants aged 16+ who are looking to take their first steps in the sailing world
- RYA Start Windsurfing (Level 1)Various DatesA course for complete beginners, teaches you the basics of windsurfing using the right equipment
- RYA Youth Multi-activity WeekVarious DatesLooking to try a water sport but not sure what you would be interested in? Our multi-activity course covers the basics of both Stage 1 Windsurfing and Sailing
- RYA Youth Sailing Stage 1Various DatesLooking to learn a new sport and get out on the water? This five-day sailing course is designed to give participants an introduction and basic understanding of boat controls and sailing theory
- RYA Youth Sailing Stage 2Various DatesA follow-on course from Stage 1, this course allows participants to develop steering ability, rope skills and simple sail controls
- RYA Youth Sailing Stage 3 & 4Various DatesA course aimed at sailors with a good knowledge and competence (and a stage 2 certificate) looking to further hone skills whilst gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of a dinghy
- RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1Various DatesWant to try one of the most independent and rewarding water sports? Over five days, participants will learn tacking and gybing out on the water whilst gaining a better understanding of wind and weather in both practical and theory-based sessions
- RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 2 & 3Various DatesAfter you have been hooked on windsurfing from Stage 1, this five-day course is where windsurfing really becomes exciting
- Sketching in the Park Course25/03/2021 - 03/06/2021Designed for adults of all artistic abilities, this series of workshops will help you learn skills to begin sketching outdoors
- Splash 'n' Play - Private hireVarious DatesOne hour of private hire is £140 for up to 20 children (and you can add additional children for just £5 each)
- Spooky Halloween Walks29/10/2021Dare to venture into the woods on our spooky halloween trail? Join us for a frightful evening at Howe Park Wood where we take you on a tour of our terrifying trail through the haunted woods
- Spring Stories in the Park30/03/2021People the world over have been enjoying live storytelling for thousands of years; it's the best way to pass on myths and legends! This Easter holidays, pull up a chair and listen closely to local and immersive folk stories, expertly told for all the family by our resident storyteller Terrie Howie
- Summer Stories in the Park29/07/2021Celebrate the summer with our open-air family storytelling.
- Talk: Great Linford Manor Park Pond WorksVarious DatesJoin us for weekly updates to find out how the pond works are progressing at Great Linford Manor Park
- Talk: History in The Parks - an introduction to our Historical Sites22/11/2021Ever wondered about the lumps and bumps in some of the parks? Many of these are the remains of historical sites - some of which are listed ancient monuments
- Talk: Milton Keynes Rocks: Geology in our parks27/03/2021Join Dr Jill Eyers on a virtual exploration of the geology in Milton Keynes, live from your sofa! Discover the ancient origins of our new town and learn where to find the best fossils in the city
- Talk: Our Hedgehog Habitats27/10/2021The hedgehog is one of the fastest disappearing animals in the UK, with a third of the population being lost since 2000
- Talk: Water water everywhere - The balancing Lakes of MK19/08/2021Have you ever wondered why Milton Keynes experiences very little residential flooding compared to other parts of the UK despite the prevalence of waterways across the city? In this talk you will find out about the intricate system of balancing lakes and urban drainage systems that help protect MK
- Talk: Wildlife in the Park - A Year in Howe Park Wood01/12/2021Have you ever walked around our Ancient Woodlands, desperate to see wildlife other than a squirrel and a magpie? Here's your chance! With photographs of wildlife seen at Howe Park Wood through the year, find out what the creatures that live in this Ancient Woodland have been up to in 2021
- Talk: Woodlands and Wetlands cared for by The Parks Trust09/11/2021Did you know that The Parks Trust care for ancient woodlands and wetlands in MK? Many of us like to explore these vital habitats on our doorsteps, but perhaps do not know as much about them as we'd like
- Treetop Extreme - Adventure & ExtremeVarious DatesIf you're feeling brave, our Adventure and Extreme levels consist of 16 obstacles and two zip wires each, all high above the ground
- Treetop Extreme - ExplorerVarious DatesOur Explorer level is the perfect course for younger or more nervous adventurers
- Treetop Extreme - Private hireVarious DatesEnjoy Treetop Extreme all to yourself with our 90 minute private hire - starting from just £150 for up to 10 participants, with extra participants just £17 each
- Two hour practiceVarious DatesWork on your sailing or windsurfing skills in one of our two hour practice sessions, where an instructor will be on hand to give guidance
- Wakeboarding (Two hour session)Various DatesOur two-hour wakeboarding sessions are available for members as part of their membership and for competent riders on a pay-as-you-go basis
- Walk & Talk: Adult Bat Walk Furzton Lake15/05/2021Ever wanted to learn more about bats and how to spot them? Well here's your chance with this guided walk from one of our bat enthusiasts
- Walk & Talk: Adult Bat Walk Great Linford Manor Park14/08/2021Great Linford Manor Park is a unique site in Milton Keynes with a history stretching back to at least the Saxon times
- Walk & Talk: Adult Bat Walk Linford Lakes29/05/2021Come and find out more about these nocturnal creatures and learn how to spot them
- Walk & Talk: Adult Bat Walk Shenley Wood31/07/2021Our bat enthusiast will take you on a tour around Shenley Wood as you look for all sorts of native bats species and find out more about the bats and wildlife that live there
- Walk & Talk: Banquets for Butterflies (Wildflower and Butterfly ID for Beginners)01/06/2021If you’re looking to learn a new skill, or brush off your identification keys, this beginner’s course for butterfly and wildflower ID is perfect! Join our team for an early summer evening walk through Stonepit Field in Great Linford
- Walk & Talk: Discover Great Linford Manor ParkVarious DatesHave you ever wondered about the history of Great Linford Manor Park? Join us on one of our monthly guided walks to discover the historic features of this ancient site
- Walk & Talk: Family Bat Walk Caldecotte Lake11/09/2021There’s more to Caldecotte Lake than its acres of beautiful parkland and watersports facilities – come and discover the variety of water birds and other wildlife at Caldecotte Lake that call its serene waters home
- Walk & Talk: Family Bat Walk Floodplain Forest28/08/2021The Floodplain forest Nature Reserve was formerly pasture land before being quarried for sand and gravel by Hanson between 2007 and 2014
- Walk & Talk: Family Bat Walk Stony Stratford Nature Reserve25/09/2021Learn how to find bats and more about them as our bat enthusiast takes you on a nocturnal walk through the Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, which is located at the very Northern point of the Ouse Valley Park
- Walk & Talk: Foraging - A basic guide to identifying common plantsVarious DatesForaging is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as people look for new ways to connect with the outdoors
- Walk & Talk: Forest Bathing for Adults - Summer17/07/2021Welcome in the summer with this rejuvenating forest bathing walk at Linford Wood
- Walk & Talk: Forest Bathing for Families - More green and less screen time10/08/2021Explore Linford Wood in a new way - engaging your senses to heighten your awareness of the natural world
- Walk & Talk: Liking the Lichen: Introduction to Lichen at Elfield Nature Reserve02/10/2021Join us for a beginner’s guide to understanding what lichen is and identifying some of the more common tree species
- Walk & Talk: Nature at Night - Nocturnal Walk06/04/2021When the sun goes down, who comes out to play? Learn all about our park's nocturnal species in this unique woodland night-time walk with our team
- Walk & Talk: Tree ID in Summer08/06/2021Come on a walk with the rangers around Ouzel Valley Park to discover the variety of trees found in the parks
- Walk & Talk: Tree ID in Summer - Campbell Park16/06/2021Join the rangers for a stroll around one of the most iconic parks in MK: Campbell Park
- Walk & Talk: Woodland Wildflowers for Beginners06/05/2021Join this guided walk of Shenley Wood where you will discover how to recognise and identify bluebells, orchids and other woodland flowers in this ancient woodland
- Women's Walking Network: Broughton Brook02/09/2021This month's walk is almost 5 miles and provides the chance to experience lots of great spaces including Broughton Brook , the Poplar Plantation , the River Ouzel and Middleton Park
- Women's Walking Network: Furzton Lake03/06/2021Starting at Furzton Lake , this month's walk also takes you through Teardrop Lakes and the surrounding areas
- Women's Walking Network: Great Linford Manor Park01/07/2021Discover the history of Great Linford Manor Park with our Community Engagment Coordinator offering information about the park as we explore it together on this month's walk
- Women's Walking Network: Hazeley Wood05/08/2021Enjoy the views form the North Bucks Way and discover Hazeley Wood on this month's walk with the Women's Walking Netwrok
- Women's Walking Network: Howe Park Wood02/12/2021Come along to enjoy this festive five mile walk that explores Howe Park Wood , Tattenhoe Valley Park and Furzton Lake
- Women's Walking Network: Loughton Valley Park06/05/2021Join the Women's Walking Network to discover North Loughton Valley Park ; home of the Roman Villa and the Concrete Cows
- CANCELLED: Women's Walking Network: Ouse Valley Park04/03/2021Discover the unique and beautiful Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve and Ouse Valley Park , as part of this month's 4 mile walk
- Women's Walking Network: Shenley Wood01/04/2021Enjoy a walk through one of our ancient woodlands as part of this month's Women's Walking Network from Shenley Wood
- Women's Walking Network: Willen Lake07/10/2021Enjoy the views from the north lake and through to Campbell Park on this fantastic 4
- Woof Walk: Ashland Lakes31/07/2021Our Woof Walks are a great social opportunity for you and your dog and a fantastic way to explore some of our parks
- Woof Walk: Broughton Brook24/04/2021A guided walk for you and your dog exploring Broughton Brook
- Woof Walk: Linford Wood27/11/2021Take a wintry dog walk through Linford Wood, starting at the car park on Enfield Chase, join this led dog walk through one of our ancient woodlands
- Woof Walk: Lodge Lake28/08/2021Join us at Lodge Lake with your four-legged friends for a group dog walk around the lake with one of our rangers
- Woof Walk: North Loughton Valley Park25/09/2021Looking for a new dog walk? Join our ranger with your pooch for a group walk exploring Loughton Valley Park
- Woof Walk: Ouse Valley Park29/05/2021Enjoy getting together with other people and their dogs on this group dog walk through the scenic Ouse Valley, led by one of our rangers
- Woof Walk: Poplar Plantation30/10/2021Starting at the Poplar Plantation join this ranger led Woof Walk as we take an hour tour alongside the River Ouzel through parts of the Ouzel Valley and back again
- CANCELLED: Woof Walk: Tattenhoe Valley27/03/2021Bring your pooch along for a group walk around Tattenhoe Valley Park, led by one of our rangers
- Woof Walk: Waterhall Park26/06/2021Discover one of our lesser known parks with your pooch on this group walk led by one of our rangers
- Workshop: Basket Making20/03/2021 - 21/03/2021Learn the ancient and incredible art of basket making using natural materials harvested from the parks in Milton Keynes
- Workshop: Bee bumble for beginners24/05/2021Did you know we have around 270 species of bee in the UK? Don't be daunted by the task of identification, this beginners course is perfect for people who are looking to learn the basics and get to know a few of our native species
- Workshop: Hedgehog Surveying for Families31/03/2021The hedgehog is one of the fastest disappearing animals in the UK, with a third of the population being lost since 2000
- Workshop: Introduction to Bushcraft - Whittling & Coppicing27/07/2021Ever wanted to know how to whittle using natural materials? Join this introduction and find out how
- Workshop: Introduction to Bushcraft - Whittling and Coppicing20/03/2021Ever wanted to know how to whittle using natural materials? Join this introduction and find out how
- Workshop: Introduction to Wildlife Surveying for Adults24/04/2021Ever wanted to help make a difference by getting involved in surveying wildlife? Then join us to find out how! Citizen science schemes rely on everyday people to record biological information about their area
- Workshop: Magnificent Moths07/08/2021This workshop provides an opportunity for you to take part in a range of practical activities with our mothing team
- Youth Explorers Club (April)27/04/2021 - 25/05/2021Are you aged 11-14 years and fascinated about wildlife and the environment? Join our Youth Explorers group to learn more about nature in MK! This five-week immersive course is taught at one of Milton Keynes' most biodiverse and exclusive nature reserves – Linford Lakes
- Youth Explorers Club (June)08/06/2021 - 06/07/2021Are you aged 11-14 years and fascinated about wildlife and the environment? Join our Youth Explorers group to learn more about nature in MK! This five-week immersive course is taught at one of Milton Keynes' most biodiverse and exclusive nature reserves – Linford Lakes
- Youth Rangers Taster Session24/08/2021Have you thought about joining Youth Rangers but weren't really sure what to expect? In this taster session you will get the opportunity to have a go at some of the hands on practical tasks that we do at Youth Rangers sessions to help you decide if you would like to join our monthly group
Other events in our parks
- FriendsFest20/08/2021 - 30/08/2021The ultimate celebration of the world's favourite TV show returns this summer.
- Hiroshima Day Lantern Floating Ceremony06/08/2021Ceremony to commemorate the Hiroshima disaster of 1945