As the autumnal colours spread across the leafy landscapes, The Parks Trust has issued a message of thanks to their many volunteers – nearly 250 of them!
Throughout the summer, volunteers have assisted in many ways - they’ve patrolled the parks and picked up litter, completed wildlife surveys and conservation works, and assisted the Trust’s team in delivering outdoor learning sessions, workshops, and events ranging from family bike rides to wellbeing walks.
A whopping 3,742 hours of volunteer time was recorded between the beginning of June and end of August - that’s 958 hours for nature and biodiversity initiatives, 1,100 hours of park patrols, 948 hours leading Health Walks, 334 hours engaging visitors at park events, and 382 hours dedicated to supporting outdoor learning sessions.
The Trust’s outdoor learning team welcomed thousands of visitors getting closer to nature at 15 Open Mornings at Howe Park Wood, where volunteers supported in the running of 45 craft and bug hunting sessions.
Volunteers leading MK Health Walks have walked a total of about 6,500 miles during the summer period – that’s almost a lap around the moon!
“Our volunteers’ dedication over the summer and throughout the year is nothing short of inspiring - from supporting nature and biodiversity to helping thousands of MK residents connect with the great outdoors,” said David Lewis, recreation and volunteer engagement coordinator at The Parks Trust, “We’re incredibly grateful not only for every hour they’ve given to Milton Keynes’ parks, but for doing so with so much passion.”
Find out more by visiting theparkstrust.com/volunteering
