The Parks Trust, the charity caring for green spaces in Milton Keynes, is hosting a heap of activities including free and low-cost ways to keep the kids entertained in the school breaks.
Howe Park Wood Open Mornings
2–4 April & 9-11 April, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Open Mornings are completely free for everyone, with a different theme each week - Pollinators in the first week of the Easter break, followed by a week of Reptiles and Amphibians. Simply drop-in to learn all about the natural world by exploring nests, skulls, feathers and more that have been collected from local parks. Enjoy nature-themed challenges, take a self-guided trail through the woodland, or purchase tickets to a Nature Craft session.
Howe Park Wood provides a safe home to many endangered animal and plant species and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildlife value by Natural England.
National Spring Clean Litter Pick
4 April, 10am at Caldecotte Lake
A great way to get involved in the National Spring Clean Day, and to get outdoors and help your local environment. All equipment for a safe litter collection will be provided (including special pickers for children) for this 1-hour session led by Parks Trust staff, who also take the rubbish away for disposal.
Walk & Talk: Hocus Crocus, British Botanical Folklore
8 April, 10am – 11.30am at Great Linford Manor Park
Discover the magic and myths of Spring. Hear the historical beliefs, legends and folklore of British plants and trees, and learn how to identify local seasonal wildflowers for just £5 per person. Booking is essential for this limited capacity event, suitable for ages 12+ with an interest in nature (under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult).
Discovery Stroll: Bancroft Park
16 April, 2pm at North Loughton Valley Park
Unearth the features of Bancroft Park in North Loughton Valley, including the awakening Spring wildlife. Suitable for all ages, and free to join, the Parks Trust’s Discovery Stroll series offers a light introduction to the city’s green spaces, giving residents the confidence to explore more of their local parks.
Walk & Talk: The Wildlife of Furzton Lake
17 April, 10am – 11.45am at Furzton Lake
Take an exploratory walk for just £5 per person, to learn about the fascinating flora and fauna found at the lake. Heading off at a slow to moderate pace, the walk lasts roughly 90 minutes.
Julie Dawes, Events and Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust, says:
“Spring is such an exciting time of year in the parks, coming alive with beautiful blossoms and young wildlife as the warmer weather arrives. There’s plenty to experience in nature, great health benefits for being outdoors, and something for everyone in our huge events schedule - so come and join us!”
Milton Keynes has over 40 different parks for residents to enjoy, with a huge choice of free play areas, walking and cycling routes, trim trails, and world-class outdoor artworks. In addition to the events already mentioned, there are all sorts of activities in the city’s parks in the upcoming weeks:
5 Ways Cafe at St. Andrew's Church at Great Linford Manor Park is a dementia friendly community café on the second and fourth Tuesday every month.
Tree Tots at Howe Park Wood is a 50-minute nature play session for pre-schoolers, every Thursday morning.
Great Linford Manor Park Guided Walks last 90-minutes and occur twice monthly, the second Friday at 10.30am and the last Sunday at 2pm.
Easter EGGstravaganza 3 April at Oakgrove Playground.
Women’s Walking Network meet on the first Thursday each month at varying locations (4 April at Linford Wood, 2 May at Stanton Low Park).
Parks & Run 7 April at Campbell Park.
Woof Walk 10 April at Caldecotte Lake.
Accessible Guided Walk 17 April at Willen Lake South.
Parks & Ride 28 April at Waterhall Park.
Orienteering at Great Linford Manor Park on 28 April. Join the South Midlands Orienteering Club for an activity that exercises both body and mind for all ages – including teens! Starting any time 10am – 12pm, groups and individuals will navigate themselves around a mapped route from one point to the next. A family ticket costs only £5 and groups with 2+ adults £10.
More information about parkland events and activities can be found on theparkstrust.com/events
