Enjoy your local parks. Help us to keep our parks tidy EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN YOUR PARKS JANUARY - DECEMBER 2019

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1 Enjoy your local parks Help us to keep our parks tidy This booklet is available in large print, audio and Braille format on request. Book online: Events booking line: call or Events which carry the symbol must be booked in advance. We love seeing people using the green space across Milton Keynes, whether that s having a barbecue at Willen Lake, walking dogs along the Canal Broadwalk or birdwatching at the Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve. However, litter is a growing problem across our parks and we need your help! A drinks bottle here or a crisp packet there may not seem like a big deal, but clearing litter and dog mess costs us over 350,000 a year money we d far rather spend on improvements to parks and landscaping. We d ask anyone visiting our parks to take their litter home and dispose of it there, and clear up after their dogs this will keep the green spaces in Milton Keynes beautiful and inspiring for all to enjoy long into the future. The Parks Trust Campbell Park Pavilion 1300 Silbury Boulevard Milton Keynes MK9 4AD theparkstrust EVENTS & ACTIVITIES IN YOUR PARKS JANUARY - DECEMBER 2019 SPONSORED BY

2 Our parks Easy reference fold-out guide 1. Ashland Lakes 2. Black Horse Wood 3. Brooklands Meadows Park 4. Broughton Brook Park 5. BMX Track 6. Caldecotte Brook 7. Caldecotte Lake 8. Campbell Park 9. Canal Broadwalk 10. Elfield Nature Park 11. Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve 12. Furzton Lake 13. Great Linford Manor Park 14. Hazeley Wood 15. Howe Park Wood 16. Kents Hill Park 17. Kingsmead 18. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 19. Linford Wood 20. Lodge Lake & Loughton 21. Middleton Park 22. Millfield 23. Mount Farm Trials Park 24. Loughton Valley Park 25. Ouse Valley Park 26. Ouzel Valley Park 27. Oxley Park 28. The Poplar Plantation 29. Stanton Low Park 30. Shenley Wood 31. Stonepit Field 32. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve 33. Tattenhoe Valley 34. Teardrop Lakes 35. The Toot 36. Tombs Meadow 37. The Tree Cathedral at Newlands 38. Walton Lake 39. Waterhall Park 40. Whitehouse Park 41. Willen Lake North 42. Willen Lake South Key Route for The Parks Trust s 25 mile challenge walk. For more details please visit our website. OUR SPONSOR The fastest broadband speeds in the UK have arrived in Milton Keynes. With lightning fast upload and download speeds, our 900Mbps package is 20 x faster than the UK average download and an incredible 145 x faster than UK average upload speeds. What can Gigafast Broadband do? One family member can stream a live event on television in Ultra HD In another room, someone can stream a movie or TV series in Ultra HD The rest of the family can play an online virtual reality game A host of connected devices in the background keeps the home safe and secure And it can all happen at the same time. Affordable packages for every budget Vodafone Gigafast Packages Upload and Download Speeds To find out when you might be able to get online with Gigafast Broadband, just visit us at vodafone.co.uk/gigafast and register your interest. We ll keep you in the loop and let you know all the latest news as it happens. The future is exciting. Ready? Vodafone Mobile Pay Monthly customers New Customers Gigafast Mbps Gigafast Mbps Gigafast Mbps Gigafast Mbps When can you get Gigafast Broadband? vodafone.co.uk/gigafast Willen Lake Discover the Great Outdoors Play, explore and relax with family and friends Paddlesports including kayaking and canoeing Windsurfing and sailing Splash n Play Dedicated wakeboarding centre High ropes adventure at Treetop Extreme Visit our website to find out more about our upcoming events and activities For more information and bookings willenlake@theparkstrust.com 45

3 Welcome Pull-out map We are the charity caring for your parks, woodlands and lakes forever. We expertly manage a fantastic network of over 6,000 acres of parks, lakes and landscapes across Milton Keynes. We also work with over 6,000 school children and adults annually and around 200 volunteers. We organise and enable over 500 events and activities each year, making Milton Keynes a vibrant and colourful place for everyone to enjoy. You can get up-to-the-minute information about our events by signing up to our e-newsletter at or by following us theparkstrust 1

4 Regular activities Community Litter Picks: A series of litter picks across Milton Keynes. Equipment and gloves will be provided. Come prepared for outdoor work with suitable clothing and footwear. Parks and Run: Fun runs for all ages and abilities with a choice of routes from 2km to 10km. Pushchairs in the Park: Discover some wonderful walks in Milton Keynes parkland, enjoy the fresh air and meet new friends. All routes will be pushchair friendly and babies in slings are also welcome. Each walk will be around minutes. Discover: A series of short education courses for adults. Spotlight Series: Opportunities to meet the rangers and find out about our Nature Reserves and sites rich in biodiversity. Discovery Strolls: Short strolls for anyone and everyone. Please see our website before the event date with regards to accessibility. Easy Riders: A series of bike rides organised by the MK Cyclists Touring Club. Please bring inner tube(s), pump, tools, lock, waterproofs and money on all rides. Car parking is available at all meets. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit for details. MK Rose: A series of events and activities at the central space for commemoration and celebration in Campbell Park. Orienteering: Learn how to use a map while having fun in the parks. Run by South Midlands Orienteering Club. Visit for details. Tree Tots: A weekly meet up at Howe Park Wood for pre-school children and their parents to explore the woodland and take part in some outdoor nature play. See our website for further information and booking. Women s Walking Network: Get to know your parks better and make some new friends. Walks are normally 4-5 miles and at a moderate pace. Woof Walks: Dog walks led by The Parks Trust rangers through our parks. Booking essential, please see our website for booking details. Youth Explorers: Youth Explorers is an afterschool outdoor learning group for young people aged between years. Six-week courses run from April to October focusing on Bushcraft, Wildlife Watch, and the John Muir Award. Youth Rangers: Youth Rangers is an outdoor volunteering group for young people aged between years. Take part in practical conservation work in different parks around Milton Keynes. 2 3

5 Other Activities Cricket: Campbell Park Pavilion cricket ground hosts many cricket matches throughout the year. The annual match list will be available on our website from spring Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sundays: Open days run once a month by the Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve. Ride Out: Run by Whaddon Chase branch of The Pony Club and Cromwell Group of Endurance GB. Booking two weeks in advance is essential. To book call Volunteer with us: A wide variety of volunteering opportunities are available, contact our Volunteer Coordinator on or volunteering@theparkstrust.com All our events are subject to change. Up-to-the-minute information and confirmed timings, terms and conditions, and additional events can be found at All children must be accompanied by an adult. Most of our events are outdoors; please come dressed for the weather. Great Linford Manor Park We are working to Reveal, Revive and Restore this unique park in Milton Keynes. Great Linford Manor Park is a special place in the care of The Parks Trust. It is rich in history and offers an attractive environment for people to come and enjoy and we are working to make it even better. Thanks to National Lottery players we have received funding to restore the park s historic features and character, improve access facilities for visitors and provide more activities and events for people to enjoy in the park. Grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund will enable us to commence the restoration project during For more information on this project and how you can get involved, visit: Events which carry the symbol must be booked in advance. Book online at or call our events line to confirm your place on

6 January 6 Thu 3 Jan Women s Walking Network Meet in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 10am 1/person Sun 6 Jan Parks and Run Meet in the Bradwell Abbey car park, Alston Drive, off H3 Millers Way. Loughton Valley Park 10am Free Sat 12 Jan Discover: Basket Making (Collection Day) Learn the art of basket making using natural materials. Ideal for beginners. Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 10am - 1pm 65/person (includes all three course days) Sun 20 Jan Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Image left: Women s Walking Network Image above right: Lodge Lake Tue 22 Jan Talk: A Bouquet of Weeds Talk by the Historic Gardener about the fascinating plants that grow all around us. Park at the Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 7.30pm - 9pm 3/person Sun 27 Jan Holocaust Memorial Day at MK Rose We remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park Free Wed 30 Jan Pushchairs in the Park Park at Manor Farm Court, Old Wolverton Road, Old Wolverton, MK12 5NN. Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve 11am Free Thu 31 Jan Talk: 101 Things You Never Knew About Garden Birds Learn about the birds who visit our parks and gardens in Milton Keynes. Park at the Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 7.30pm pm 3/person 7

7 February Sun 3 Feb Parks and Run Meet in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 10am Free Thu 7 Feb Women s Walking Network Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low 10am 1/person Sun 17 Feb Discover: Bushcraft Discover how to make a fire, plus other skills, in our bushcraft session. Adults only session. Access to the site is from The National Bowl, V4, Watling Street. Elfield Park 10am - 3pm 15/person Image below left: Canada Geese, Great Linford Manor Park Image right: Parks and Run Sun 17 Feb Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Mon 25 Feb Pushchairs in the Park Meet in the star car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake 11am Free Tue 26 Feb Talk: An Inspiration of Waders Find out about these amazing birds with Wader Quest. Meet at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 7.30pm - 9pm 3/person 8 9

8 March Sun 3 Mar Parks and Run Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 10am Free Sun 3 Mar Orienteering Park at MK City Discovery Centre, Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, MK13 9AP. Loughton Valley Park 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Thu 7 Mar Women s Walking Network Meet in Wolverton Mill car park, Watermill Lane, Stratford Road. Ouse Valley Park 10am 1/person Fri 8 Mar International Women s Day at MK Rose Join MK Community Foundation for the annual celebration for International Women s Day. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park 10am Free Image left: Ducklings Image above right: MK Rose Sat 9 - Sun 10 Mar Discover: Basket Making (Workshop) Learn the art of basket making using natural materials. Ideal for beginners. Meet at Howe Park Wood Education Centre off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 9am - 5pm 65/person (includes all three course days) Sun 17 Mar Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Wed 27 Mar Pushchairs in the Park Park in the car park on Enfield Chase, off V7 Saxon Street. Linford Wood 11am Free 10 11

9 A year in the life of The Parks Trust The year-round work of our operations team is vital to ensure our green spaces remain beautiful and accessible to all. This work changes with the seasons and includes: Tree thinning, which is generally undertaken across the parks between October and March to avoid the bird nesting season. Thinning ensures the retained trees have the space to grow, while allowing light into the understorey. Coppicing of shrubs takes place from December to March and is carried out for many reasons including; retaining plant health, promoting strong stem colour, maintaining sight lines and forward views along paths. Between January and March, we are busy planting. On average we plant around 40,000 units each year. Our sheep and cattle graze on The Parks Trust s land between March and November and are found in various parks and the river valleys. Grass cutting and shrub management is undertaken between April and September. Re-surfacing our leisure routes usually starts in May, with resurfacing of over 11 kilometres likely to take place over the summer. Summer is the time we look to rebuild/refurb bridges and boardwalks. We refurbished eight wooden bridges and boardwalks in Most of our park furniture refurbishment work is planned to coincide with the warmer summer weather. You will see various seats, tables and fences with a fresh lick of paint on them at this time of year. Once bird-nesting has finished (late August onwards) hedge cutting can proceed. We have over 40 miles of hedges to manage! During the summer our rangers will be busy carrying out patrols as the parks are used more heavily, ensuring any unexpected issues are dealt with quickly. Every week of the year our play areas are routinely inspected and repaired as required. During the autumn/winter you might start to see some new additions to the parks. Tree surgery is undertaken from October onwards, as we try to retain our older or maturing trees. Our cricket bat willow trees are harvested during October and November, with replanting of sets soon after. The profits from these are put back into the maintenance of our green spaces. Between October and December work in the mature woodlands takes place. Work includes thinning, coppicing and opening up the rides, wildflower areas and ground flora to essential light levels

10 April Thu 4 Apr Women s Walking Network Meet in the car park at Woughton Playing Fields Newport Road, Woughton on the Green, just north of H8 Standing Way. Ouzel Valley Park 10am 1/person Fri 5 Apr Father of Loud Day Celebrate the life of Jim Marshall OBE with a live guitar performance at MK Rose. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park Free Sat 6 Apr Discover: Spring Wildfood Cookery Forage and cook with some delicious naturally occurring ingredients from our nature reserve. Meet at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm 30/person Sun 7 Apr Parks and Run Meet in the car park at MK Museum, McConnell Drive, off H2 Millers Way. Ouse Valley Park 10am Free Sun 14 Apr Easy Riders The Bike Bus 20 mile cycle ride on country lanes and tracks. Meet at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, MK16 8PY. 10am - 1pm Free Mon 15 Apr Community Litter Pick Meet by the Water Garden car park, Newport Road, Woughton on the Green. Ouzel Valley Park 10am - 12noon Free Image left: Easy Riders Tue 16 Apr Discovery Stroll Head to St. Andrews Church afterwards for refreshments. Meet in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 2pm Free 14 15

11 April Sat 20 Apr Woof Walk Meet in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 10am - 12noon 1/dog Sun 21 Apr Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Sun 28 Apr International Workers Memorial Day Remembrance service for International Workers Memorial Day. MK Rose in Campbell Park 12noon Free Tue 30 Apr Pushchairs in the Park Meet in Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood 11am Free Image left: Howe Park Wood Sat 25 and Sun 26 May Willen Lake South 12noon - 5pm 16

12 May Thu 2 May Women s Walking Network Meet in Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood 10am 1/person Sat 4 May May Day Fun for all the family with traditional May Day celebrations, children s entertainment, stalls and rides. Park in the car park off Marsh Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 12noon - 4pm Free Sun 5 May Parks and Run Meet in the car park on V11 Tongwell Street just north of the Pineham roundabout. Willen Lake North 10am Free Mon 6 May MK Marathon Join in the running or cheer the runners along at the annual MK Marathon. Visit for details. Fri 10 May Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Howe Park Wood 8.30pm 2/person Sat 11 - Sun 12 May Milton Keynes Walking Festival Two days of walking events across the city for all ages and abilities. Visit our website for the walks programme. Sat 11 May Woof Walk Meet in car park on Queen Eleanor Street, Stony Stratford. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve 10am - 12noon 1/dog Sat 11 May Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Stony Stratford Nature Reserve 8.30pm 2/person Wed 8 May Discover: Great Linford Manor Project Find out about this fascinating site as we Reveal, Revive and Restore the heritage of Great Linford Manor Park through the Heritage Lottery Fund Restoration Project. Great Linford Manor Park 7pm - 9pm Free Image above: Milton Keynes Walking Festival Image right: May Day 18 19

13 May Sun 12 May Orienteering Park in the car park behind the Windmill Pub, Lakeside Grove, H10 Bletcham Way, MK7 8HP. Caldecotte Lake 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Sun 12 May Easy Riders 25 miles on country lanes and tracks to Winslow (going out on roads and coming back off road). Meet at McDonalds, Westcroft, MK4 4AD. 10am - 2pm Free Wed 15 May Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Great Linford Manor Park 8.30pm 2/person Sun 19 May Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Image left: Big Doggie Do Image above right: Caldecotte Lake Tue 21 May Discovery Stroll Meet in the car park on Bradwell Road, H4 Dansteed Way, Loughton. Lodge Lake 2pm Free Thu 23 May Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Shenley Wood 8.45pm 2/person Sat 25 & Sun 26 May Big Doggie Do Bring your four-legged friends and enjoy charity stalls, activities and dog shows throughout this exciting weekend. Park at Willen Lake, off V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake South 12noon - 5pm Free Tue 28 May Community Litter Pick Meet in the star car park, off V4 Watling Street opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake 10am - 12noon Free Wed 29 May Pushchairs in the Park Park in the car park off Newport Road, next to ASDA on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low 11am Free 20 21

14 June 22 Sat 1 Jun Color Obstacle Rush 5km run with colour powdered running and a variety of fun obstacles. Willen Lake South Entry fee applies Sun 2 Jun Parks and Run Meet in the car park behind the Windmill pub, Lakeside Grove, off H10 Bletcham Way. Caldecotte Lake 10am Free Sun 2 Jun Orienteering Park in the star car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Mon 3 Jun National Volunteering Week: Community Litter Pick Help tidy up a local park as part of National Volunteering Week. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. Park in the Roman Villa car park, Constantine Way, Bancroft Park. North Loughton Valley Park 10am - 12noon Free Image above right: Parks and Run Thu 6 Jun Women s Walking Network Park in the Roman Villa car park, Constantine Way, Bancroft Park. Loughton Valley Park 10am 1/person Sat 8 Jun Woof Walk Meet in the car park on Rosemullion Avenue, V2 Tattenhoe Street. Tattenhoe Valley 10am - 12noon 1/dog Sun 9 Jun Race for Life 10km and 5km charity runs in aid of Cancer Research UK. Willen Lake South Entry fee applies Sun 9 Jun Easy Riders Three Counties L Eroica 100km on road circular ride in aid of Willen Hospice and Cyclists Defence Fund. Meet at the Bike Bus, Bourne End, Cranfield, MK43 0AU. 9.45am Entry fee 10/person Thu 13 Jun Easy Riders Breakfast Ride 20 miles on country lanes and tracks to Salcey Forest Café. Meet at Wolverton Railway Station, MK12 5LJ. 9.30am - 12noon Free 23

15 June Image right: Peace Pagoda, Willen Lake North Sat 15 & Sun 16 Jun MK Festival of History Join HeritageMK for their biannual celebration of history and heritage. With re-enactments, stalls, stage entertainment and heritage displays. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. Campbell Park Free Sat 15 Jun Albert French Day at MK Rose Remember the life of local hero Rifleman Albert French killed during World War I aged just 16. MK Rose in Campbell Park Free Sun 16 Jun Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Sun 16 Jun Easy Riders 30 miles on country lanes and tracks to Stoke Bruerne. Meet at Cofferidge Close, Stony Stratford, MK11 1BY. 10am - 2pm Free Sun 16 Jun Peace Pagoda Anniversary Annual service celebrating the 39th anniversary of the Peace Pagoda. Park in the Peace Pagoda car park, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake North 10.30am pm Free Tue 18 Jun Discovery Stroll Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 2pm Free Sun 23 Jun Dragon Boat Festival Annual charity dragon boat festival. Watch the teams battle it out over the 200m race course. Willen Lake South Entry fee applies Image left and right: MK Festival of History 24 25

16 26 June Mon 24 Jun Pushchairs in the Park Park in the car park off Woodall Close, Middleton. Willen Lake South 11am Free Image above: Art in the Park Festival Wed 26 Jun Discover: Tree Identification Learn to identify the trees in our parkland and understand how we manage the landscape. Meet by the Water Garden car park, Newport Road, Woughton on the Green. Ouzel Valley Park 6.30pm pm 5/person Sat 29 Jun - Sun 7 Jul MK Festival of Nature Celebrate the brilliant biodiversity in Milton Keynes with a variety of nature themed events, guided walks, talks and activities. See the full programme at Sat 29 Jun Moth Morning Join our local moth enthusiast for an early morning discovery of these little-known insects. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 8am - 10am 2/person Sat 29 Jun - Sun 30 Jun Art in the Park Festival Annual arts festival presented by MK Islamic Arts, Culture and Heritage Group. Park at Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake South 1pm - 6pm Free Artwork: rachelhudsonillustration.com A special programme of activities to celebrate the beautiful and inspiring nature found in Milton Keynes green space. For more information, please visit: MKfestivalofnature.org Berkshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire 29 June - 7 July 2019 MK Festival of Nature A great opportunity to find out more about the creatures and plants we see every day, and those that are a little rarer. With everything from guided walks to wildlife discovery days, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Organised in partnership by The Parks Trust, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust and Milton Keynes Natural History Society.

17 July Image right: Purple Emperor Butterfly, Howe Park Wood Thu 4 Jul Women s Walking Network Meet at the car park located off Merlewood Drive, just to the east of V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood 10am 1/person Fri 5 Jul Family Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for this family friendly evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 9.15pm 2/person Sat 6 Jul Nature Day Join us, Milton Keynes Natural History Society and your local Wildlife Trust for a day dedicated to discovering nature. Limited parking at Howe Park Wood Education Centre. Further parking at Westcroft District Centre, off H7 Chaffron Way. Howe Park Wood 11am - 4pm Free Sun 7 Jul Parks and Run Meet in the car park by Broughton Fields School, Shackerstone Close, off Milton Road. Broughton 10am Free Fri 12 Jul Disability Awareness Day at MK Rose Celebrate and acknowledge the experiences and capabilities of people with disabilities at MK Rose. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park Free Sat 13 Jul Woof Walk Meet in the car park at Woughton Playing Fields Newport Road, Woughton on the Green, just north of H8 Standing Way. Ouzel Valley Park 10am - 12noon 1/dog Sat 13 Jul Discover: Butterflies and Day Flying Moths Learn about butterflies in MK and their identification. The day will consist of both theory and practical elements. Meet at Shenley Pavilions, Chalkdell Drive, Shenley Wood, MK5 6LB. Shenley Wood 10am - 4pm 15/person Tue 16 Jul Discovery Stroll Park at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 2pm Free 28 29

18 July Thu 18 Jul Public Open Meeting Annual open meeting at The Parks Trust. Discover our present and future plans. Park at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 6pm - 8pm Free Sat 20 Jul African Diaspora Day Celebrate the wonderful cultures of Africa with Global Outreach Foundation. Limited parking at Campbell Park Events Plateau, Avebury Boulevard. Further parking at centre:mk car parks. Campbell Park From 3pm Entry fee applies Sun 21 Jul Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Sun 21 Jul Orienteering Park at Peace Pagoda car park, Willen, MK15 0BA. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake North 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Mon 22 Jul Big Litter Pick Join our rangers for our annual Big Litter Pick. Litter pickers and gloves will be provided. Meet in the car park off Newport Road next to Asda on Oakridge Park. Stanton Low 10am - 12noon Free Image above left: World Picnic Image above right: Campbell Park Image right: African Diaspora Day Sun 28 Jul World Picnic Celebrate music, dance and cultures of the world at our annual cultural event. Limited parking at Campbell Park Events Plateau, Avebury Boulevard. Further parking at centre:mk car parks. Campbell Park 1pm - 6pm Free Wed 31 Jul Pushchairs in the Park Park in the car park off Bradwell Road, off H4 Dansteed Way. Lodge Lake 11am Free Wed 31 Jul Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Walton Lake 8.45pm 2/person 30 31

19 August Thu 1 Aug Women s Walking Network Meet in the car park by Broughton Fields School, Shackerstone Close, off Mill Lane. Broughton 10am 1/person Tue 6 Aug Hiroshima Day Annual floating lantern ceremony at the Peace Pagoda. Park in the Peace Pagoda car park, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake North 7.30pm Free Wed 7 Aug MK Playday Join in the biggest day of play with the MK Play Partnership. See the different zones, join in with activities and games and enjoy the main stage entertainment. For the full programme see Use the pay and display centre:mk car parks or public transport for CMK and follow the Redway footbridge which leads into the park. Cycle parking will be available. Campbell Park 11am - 4pm Free Sat 10 Aug Woof Walk Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 10am - 12noon 1/dog Tue 13 Aug Parkland Play Bring a picnic and join the rangers for a family fun afternoon with games and activities. Park in the car park off Marsh Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 1pm - 3pm Free Fri 16 Aug Seaside in the City Dress up as your favourite underwater character and join the rangers for a family fun afternoon with games and activities around the lake. Park at Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake South 10am - 3pm Free Sun 18 Aug Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday A special cricket and grasshopper event will take place as part of this open Sunday. Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Mon 19 Aug Community Litter Pick Meet in the car park by Broughton Fields School, Shackerstone Close, Milton Road. Broughton Brook 10am - 12noon Free 32 33

20 August September Tue 20 Aug Discovery Stroll Meet in Woughton Playing Fields car park, Newport Road, just north of H8 Standing Way. Woughton Canalside 2pm Free Wed 21 Aug Parkland Play Join the rangers for a family fun afternoon with games and activities. The rangers will be located by the play park on Saxonia Boulevard. Brooklands 1pm - 3pm Free Wed 28 Aug Pushchairs in the Park Meet at Campbell Park Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard, MK9 4AD. Campbell Park 11am Free Thu 29 Aug Adult Bat Walk As part of the International Bat Night Celebration join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Ouzel Valley Park 7.45pm 2/person Image above right: Grey Heron Sun 1 Sep Parks and Run Meet in the car park on Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood 10am Free Tue 3 Sep Adult Bat Walk Join our bat enthusiast for an adult only evening walk and learn about these amazing creatures. Furzton Lake 7.30pm 2/person Thu 5 Sep Women s Walking Network Meet in the car park at Willen Pavilion, off Portland Drive, Willen, MK15 9JP. Willen Lake North 10am 1/person Sat 7 Sep Pretty Muddy 5km fun run for Cancer Research UK. Willen Lake South Entry fee applies Sat 7 Sep Discover: Bats Learn about the different bats we have in MK and how to identify them. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 7pm - 9pm 7.50/person 34 35

21 September Sun 8 Sep Orienteering Park at Campbell Park Events Plateau, Avebury Boulevard. Campbell Park 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Fri 13 - Sun 22 Sep Heritage Open Days Join The Parks Trust rangers for a series of heritage inspired activities. Visit our website for details. Sat 14 Sep Woof Walk Park in the Merlewood Drive car park, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood 10am - 12noon 1/dog Sun 15 Sep Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Image left: Campbell Park Sun 15 Sep Heritage Open Day Tours Find out about the great stories behind the pillars at the MK Rose on Heritage Open Day weekend. See for more information. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park Guided tours at 2pm & 3pm Free Mon 16 Sep Community Litter Pick Park at Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street. Parking charges apply. Willen Lake North 10am - 12noon Free Tue 17 Sep Discovery Stroll Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood 2pm Free Sun 22 Sep Family Heritage Open Day Come and explore the unique heritage of Great Linford Manor Park through fun, family activities. We will take you on a journey of over 1,000 years, letting you uncover the rich historic treasures that the park offers. Park in the car park off Marsh Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 12noon - 4pm Free Mon 30 Sep Pushchairs in the Park Park in the Water Garden car park Newport Road, off H7 Chaffron Way, Woughton on the Green. Ouzel Valley Park 11am Free 36 37

22 October Thu 3 Oct Women s Walking Network Meet in the star car park, off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake 10am 1/person Sat 5 Oct Stars in the Park Explore the skies with our rangers and UK Astronomy. A great session for beginners and families to learn more about our solar system. Campbell Park 6pm - 8pm 5/person Sun 6 Oct Parks and Run Meet in the star car park off V4 Watling Street, opposite the National Bowl. Furzton Lake 10am Free Sat 12 Oct Discover: Autumn Fruits, Roots and Seeds Forage and cook with some delicious naturally occurring ingredients from our nature reserve. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm 30/person Sun 13 Oct Orienteering Park in the car park on Merlewood Drive, off V2 Tattenhoe Street. Shenley Wood 10am - 12noon 5 for individuals and families Image left: Spooky Halloween Walks Image right: Make a Difference Day Sun 13 Oct Easy Riders 30 miles on country lanes and tracks to Salcey Forest. Meet at Wolverton Railway Station, MK12 5LJ. 10am 2pm Free Wed 16 Oct Talk: Wildlife in MK Discover the variety of wildlife living in our parks. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 7.30pm - 9pm 3/person Sun 20 Oct Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Fri 25 Oct Spooky Halloween Walks Dare to take a walk in the woods and celebrate Halloween by joining one of our spooky walks? Walks get scarier as the evening progresses. Booking essential. Howe Park Wood 6pm - 9pm timed slots 7/person Tue 29 Oct Pushchairs in the Park Park in the Arts Centre car park, Parklands, off St Leger Drive, Great Linford. Great Linford Manor Park 11am Free 38 39

23 November Sun 3 Nov Parks and Run Meet in the car park off V11 Tongwell Street just north of the Pineham roundabout. Willen Lake North 10am Free Thu 7 Nov Women s Walking Network Meet in the Windmill pub car park, Lakeside Grove, H10 Bletcham Way. Caldecotte Lake 10am 1/person Sun 10 Nov Easy Riders 30 miles on country lanes and tracks to Marston Moretaine. Meet at Newport Pagnell Medical Centre, MK16 8PY. 10am - 2pm Free Image left: Easy Riders Image above right: Caldecotte Lake Mon 11 Nov Armistice Day at MK Rose An opportunity to pay our respects to those who have given their lives in time of war. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park 10.45am Free Wed 13 Nov Talk: Amazing Howe Park Wood Find out about the wildlife of this fascinating ancient woodland. Meet at Howe Park Wood Education Centre, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood Education Centre 7.30pm - 9pm 3/person Sun 17 Nov Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free 40 41

24 December Sun 1 Dec Parks and Run Meet at Woughton Playing Fields, Newport Road just north of H8 Standing Way. Ouzel Valley Park 10am Free Thu 5 Dec Women s Walking Network Park at Howe Park Wood Education Centre car park, off H7 Chaffron Way, opposite Westcroft District Centre, MK4 3GG. Howe Park Wood 10am 1/person Sun 8 Dec Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve Open Sunday Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 10am - 4pm Free Image left: Redwing Tue 10, Thu 12 and Sat 14 Dec Discover: Christmas Wreaths Come and make a Christmas wreath using natural materials harvested from the parks. Park at Linford Lakes Education Centre, Wolverton Road, Great Linford, MK14 5AH. Linford Lakes Nature Reserve 20/person Wed 11 Dec Pushchairs in the Park Park in the car park behind the Windmill Pub, Lakeside Grove, off H10 Bletcham Way. Caldecotte Lake 11am Free Sun 15 Dec Carols at the Rose Join us for our annual carolling afternoon. Bring a lantern and wrap up warm. Park in the centre:mk car parks (John Lewis end) and use the footbridge which leads into the park. MK Rose in Campbell Park 3pm Free Image above right: Discover: Christmas Wreaths Image right: Great Linford Manor Park 42 43

25 Volunteering Volunteers are an essential part of our team at The Parks Trust and we value them highly. They generously give their time to help us manage our parks and landscapes across Milton Keynes and connect the local community and visitors with the parkland s heritage and wildlife. We benefit from the support of over 200 volunteers, who help us in many different ways including undertaking practical works such as scrub bashing and habitat restoration; patrolling our parks and nature reserves as rangers and wardens; and helping us deliver our programme of events and outdoor learning activities in the parks each year. We are so grateful to all our volunteers for the help they provide thank you for your support! We look forward to continuing to work closely together over the year to come. If you would like to find out more about volunteering for The Parks Trust, please visit 44