Two much-loved Milton Keynes parks have been nominated in a nationwide competition to find the UK’s favourite green spaces.
Willen Lake and Howe Park Wood are among 364 parks and green spaces that are in the running for the top title in the scheme that’s organised by green space charity, Fields In Trust.
The parks have a chance of winning the title of local or national favourite, but only if enough people cast their vote before the closing date of 18th August 2022.
Commenting on the nomination, Hannah Bodley, Head of Marketing, Events and Community Engagement at The Parks Trust said: “Willen Lake and Howe Park Wood are certainly among the most popular parks in Milton Keynes and we are over the moon that they’ve been nominated in this brilliant scheme.
“The two parks are very different from each other and it’s great to see the variety of MK’s green space reflected in these nominations. Willen Lake provides a little bit of everything, from watersports and play parks to peaceful picnic spots and bird-watching opportunities. Howe Park Wood is ideal for anyone seeking to steep themselves in ancient woodlands and discover local nature at its finest.
“We’d love people who’ve enjoyed these special spaces to cast their vote and help the parks win!”
Research by Fields in Trust finds that around 2.8 million people across Great Britain live more than a ten-minute walk from their nearest park or green space. In Milton Keynes, where the city was designed around a linear parks system, most residents live much closer to green space.
Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths said: “Our nation’s parks have been so important during the pandemic, and it is vital that we celebrate them to help ensure they are protected for future generations. Without urgent action, Britain’s public green space is set to decrease, putting more pressure on fewer green spaces to support the health and wellbeing of communities, now and in the future.
"Our children and grandchildren deserve to have the same access to green space that we do, so we need to act before it’s too late.
“As well as voting for the local park you love today check to see if it is legally protected. It is within the powers of our local leaders to protect our green spaces and after the pandemic this is a significant moment to change the way we think about the contribution local green spaces make to our health, our wellbeing, our environment, and ultimately our futures.”
You can place your vote HERE.
