Heritage Open Days events with The Parks Trust are taking place again this year with this year’s theme centred around architecture – and there’s plenty of it to see across the city.
Throughout September, residents are invited to explore some of the art, history, and nature found across the city’s 6,000 acres of green spaces.
Booking is essential for some of the events and free tickets are available from 9am, Tuesday 5th August at theparkstrust.com/heritageopendays.
* denotes that booking is required
Community Volunteering: Heritage Heroes
13 September, 10am at Great Linford Park
Join volunteers of The Parks Trust for a rewarding morning of conservation as part of the Heritage Open Day series, as they get hands-on to help nature thrive on one of the city’s most distinctive geological features—Blisworth Limestone bedrock.
Blisworth Limestone is a unique and rich part of MK’s local geological heritage, providing a unique home for specialist mosses, lichens, invertebrates, and wildflowers. Over time, these features can become lost to scrub, moss and vegetation. Clearing the rock face and creating bare earth patches are two important actions that help support a rich variety of wildlife and preserve MK’s natural heritage. You might even find some fossils!
30-Mile Parks & Ride
14 September, 11am at Willen Lake South
Spot local wildlife and public art on this circular route from Willen Lake, taking in scenes through Ouzel Valley, Great Linford Manor Park, Loughton Valley, Furzton and Caldecotte lakes, the Grand Union Canal and Campbell Park. The ride will follow a mix of leisure routes, Redways, and will include short sections on-road or on trails. You can expect to see nearly all of Milton Keynes nature and heritage as part of the ride. It’s the perfect chance to get the bikes out, enjoy the outdoors, and have some fun!
Gyosei Art and Wildlife Trail
15 September, 1.30pm in Canal Broadwalk
Join this 90-minute guided walk to discover the beautiful and unique Gyosei Art Trail along the Grand Union Canal. The Parks Trust are proud custodians of this public art trail, with each of the eight pieces relating to themes of Japanese connections, canal history and local history.
Exploring Bancroft Villa*
16 September, 4.30pm & 6pm at Bancroft Roman Villa
Join this short walk to discover some lesser known local heritage, learn about local Roman life and unearth excavation findings from Bancroft Roman Villa. There are two sessions to choose from and each one lasts around an hour.
Awe-inspiring Architecture*
17 September, 10.30am in Floodplain Forest
As part of the Heritage Open Days programme, everyone is invited to join a guided walk to take in the wonderful architecture at the Floodplain Forest. Admire the views across the nature reserve as you walk along the aqueduct with a stop at one of the bird hides along the way.
Photography Walk*
18 September, 4pm at Willen Lake North
Explore the beautiful landscape architecture as well as some of the iconic built architecture of MK with Nicky Kenny, on this relaxed photography walk. Starting at the stunning Tree Cathedral and winding through other unusual landscape architecture sites in the area, such as the Medicine Wheel and the Labyrinth, this gentle stroll also takes in the architecturally striking Peace Pagoda, which celebrated its 75th anniversary earlier this year.
Exploring the Tree Cathedral*
19 September, 10am and 12.30pm at the Tree Cathedral
Join this guided walk at one of the city’s most unique landmarks and learn how it brings together ideas of architecture, buildings and nature. This 1-hour guided walk explores the inspiration behind the original planting in this area as well as how different tree species were used to create specific areas within.
Heritage Open Days Celebration
20 September, 12 - 5pm in Great Linford Manor Park
As a finale to the Heritage Open Day celebrations there will also be additional Guided Walks at Great Linford Manor Park, on Saturday 20th September from 12pm. These walks uncover hidden gems such as the Veteran Lime Tree, Doric Seat and Ha-ha, which survive from the 18th century English Landscape Garden design of the park and have been recently revealed, revived and restored as part of a National Lottery Heritage Fund project. As well as lots of other attractions, including volunteers in period costume, there’ll be live music and delicious street food to enjoy.
Julie Dawes, Events & Community Engagement Manager at The Parks Trust says “Heritage Open Days with us are always a brilliant chance to uncover the hidden stories woven into our green spaces. Whether you're joining a guided walk through the rich history of Bancroft or stepping back into the 18th century at our bi-annual celebration at Great Linford Manor Park, there are plenty of ways to discover more about Milton Keynes’ fascinating past”.
For further information, head to theparkstrust.com/heritageopendays.
